Sterilization units, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

A Sterilization Unit includes: a UV-C radiation source configured to emit UV-C radiation; and a room partition selectably configurable between two or more different partition geometrics and configured, in each of the two or more different partition geometrics, to (a) physically separate floor space of a room into sterilization target area and a non-target area, and (b) direct the UV-C radiation to the target area from at least two different directions while shielding the non-target area from the UV-C radiation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/491,856 filed Apr. 19, 2017, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/744,461 filedJun. 19, 2015, which claims the benefit of International PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2013/076717 filed Dec. 19, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/739,098, filed Dec. 19, 2012, andto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/776,914, filed Mar. 12,2013; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

Some example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to asterilization device and to methods for sterilizing. More particularly,some example embodiments of the present invention relate to a device forsterilization of a space, surface, or structure, and to methods ofsterilizing a space, surface, or structure utilizing the device.

BACKGROUND

Microbial contamination is a global concern within many industries,especially in the healthcare industry. It costs countries billions ofdollars in expenses per year, and, more importantly, the contaminantpathogens plague private and public (e.g. healthcare) settings andsurroundings. Ultimately, these contaminated surroundings lead toinfections and can ultimately lead to death.

Further, many communicable diseases are transmitted through contact withcontaminated areas. The types and seriousness of communicable diseasestransmitted in this manner are varied. For example, viral and bacterialdiseases alike can be communicated by physical contact with surfacesupon which the infectious agents reside. Further, there is an increasingawareness and concern worldwide of the possibility of widespreadoutbreaks, or even pandemics, of communicable disease; these concernsstem in part from possible spontaneous mutations of influenza and otherviruses, as well as the increasing resistance of bacterial strains toconventional and even newly-developed and powerful antibiotics.

Thus, a need exists for improved sterilization devices and methods forsterilization which may, inter alia, assist in providing sterilizedspaces, surfaces, and/or structures, and in combating the spread ofdiseases that may be communicated via physical contact with infectedareas.

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combinationthereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to thepublic, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes priorart under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which thisspecification is concerned.

SUMMARY

In accordance with example embodiments, the need for improvedsterilization devices and methods is satisfied. Example embodiments mayaddress one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the artdiscussed above. However, example embodiments may additionally oralternatively prove useful in addressing other problems and deficienciesin a number of technical areas. Therefore, the scope of embodiments ofthe present invention should not necessarily be construed as limited toaddressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussedherein.

Some embodiments of the presently-disclosed sterilization device andmethods have several features, no single one of which is solelyresponsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scopeof these devices and methods as defined by the claims that follow, theirmore prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After consideringthis discussion, and particularly after reading the section of thisspecification entitled “Detailed Description of the Invention,” one willunderstand how the features of the various embodiments disclosed hereinprovide a number of advantages over the current state of the art. Inaccordance with some embodiments, these advantages may include, withoutlimitation: providing improved sterilization devices and methods forsterilization which may, inter alia, assist in providing sterilizedspaces, surfaces, and/or structures; providing a customizablesterilization exposure area; allowing for appropriate exposure, dosage,and sterilization processes of any spaces, surfaces, and/or structuresin need of sterilization; combating the spread of diseases that may becommunicated via physical contact with infected areas; providing devicesand methods that have highly effective UV-C for sterilization; providingdevices and methods that are easily integratable within, e.g.,healthcare logistics; and allowing for sterilization in a fast, safe,and effective manner Additional non-limiting unique capabilities of someembodiments of the invention include: being self-sterilizable; beingbuildable and stackable to maximize sterilization field; ability tooperate a sterilization device while users are present with theinvention in the same room; eradication of 99.9% of microorganisms;ability to use the device to partition rooms and allow use of sectionsof the room that are not under direct sterilization; ability of thedevice to form an enclosure within itself (e.g., a containedsterilization area); being expandable and contractible; portability;ability to prevent user UV-C contamination/exposure; ability toaccommodate to a multitude of exposure angles; ability to function in anopen area (e.g., large rooms or hospital wards), or more contained area(e.g., corners, hallways, etc.).

In accordance with example embodiments, a sterilization device includes:a UV-C radiation source configured to emit UV-C radiation; and a roompartition selectably configurable between two or more differentpartition geometries and configured, in each of the two or moredifferent partition geometries, to (a) physically separate floor spaceof a room into a sterilization target area and a non-target area, and(b) direct the UV-C radiation to the target area from at least twodifferent directions while shielding the non-target area from the UV-Cradiation.

The UV-C radiation source may include a plurality of UV-C radiationemitting devices.

The UV-C radiation emitting devices may each include one or more lightelements configured to generate UV-C radiation.

The UV-C radiation emitting devices may be mounted to the roompartition.

The sterilization device may be a free-standing unit configured to bestably self-supported on a flat floor surface when the room partition isin an upright position.

The room partition may include casters to allow the room partition to berolled between multiple configurations.

The room partition may be selectably reconfigurable between a pluralityof shapes corresponding to different delineations between the targetarea and the non-target area.

The room partition may include first and second panels, each configuredto form a UV-C radiation barrier between the target area and thenon-target area and each having a first face configured to face towardthe non-target area and a second face configured to face toward thetarget area.

The sterilization device may further include an electronic controlsystem including a computer processor configured to executecomputer-readably instructions to perform at least one sterilizationoperation.

The processor may be configured to selectively control the radiationintensity and duration of the radiation source for the sterilizationoperation.

The processor may be configured to adjust power supplied to theradiation source based on age-based degradation of the radiation sourcein order to provide consistency of UV-C light intensity from theradiation source.

The processor may be configured to selectively control the plurality ofUV-C radiation emitting devices dependent upon which of the plurality ofshapes the partition is configured to have.

The processor may be configured to power on a subset of the UV-Cradiation emitting devices while one or more of the other UV-C radiationemitting devices is powered off

The processor may be configured to receive a signal from one or moresensors configured to measure UV-C light exposure in the target area.

The processor may be configured to receive at least one signal from asensor configured to identify at least one of (a) an item in the targetarea, and (b) a physical location of the target area.

The at least one signal may be generated based on at least one RFID tagdisposed on the item in the target area and/or at the physical locationof the target area.

The sterilization device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, whereinthe processor includes multiple underlying processors.

The control system may be physically configured as part of the roompartition.

The control system may further include a transceiver configured to sendand receive information over a communication network.

The control system may be configured to transmit information providingthe identity of at least one of (a) an item in the target area and (b)the location of the target area.

The information transmission may indicate that the item or target arealocation has been sterilized by the sterilization unit.

The processor may be configured to receive via the transceiver andprocess information that identifies a target area and/or item that hasbeen flagged as needing sterilization.

In accordance with example embodiments, a method includes: identifyingby a computer processor a set of beds in a healthcare facility;determining, by a computer processor, a sterilization status of therespective beds based on RFID chips assigned to the respective beds; andsterilizing at least one of the beds based on the determinedsterilization status of the at least one of the beds.

The identifying and the determining may be performed by the samecomputer processor or different computer processors.

In accordance with example embodiments, a sterilization device or unitincludes: a UV-C source configured to emit UV-C radiation; a first panelincluding a first side, and an opposite second side configured to directa first portion of the UV-C radiation outwardly away from the secondside, the first panel configured to block UV-C radiation from passingoutwardly from the first side of the first panel; and a second panelincluding a first side, and an opposite second side configured to directa second portion of the UV-C radiation outwardly away from the secondside, the second panel configured to block UV-C radiation from passingoutwardly from the first side of the second panel; wherein the secondpanel is coupled to the first panel such that the first panel and thesecond panel form a free-standing sterilization unit, and an anglebetween the first panel and the second panel is adjustable to allow thesterilization device to conform to different spaces to be sterilized.

The UV-C source may include a plurality of UV-C radiation emitters.

One or more of the UV-C radiation emitters may be mounted to the firstpanel and/or the second panel.

The angle between the first panel and the second panel may be adjustablefrom a first angle that is less than 5 degrees to a second angle that isgreater than 40 degrees.

The angle between the first panel and the second panel may be adjustablefrom a first angle that is less than 5 degrees to a second angle that isgreater than 170 degrees.

At least one of the first panel and the second panel includes a windowconfigured to allow visual inspection of an area to be sterilized from aposition that is not exposed to UV-C radiation generated by the UV-Cradiation source.

The sterilization device may further include a third panel including afirst side, and an opposite second side configured to direct a thirdportion of the UV-C radiation outwardly from the second side, the thirdpanel configured to block UV-C radiation from passing outwardly from thefirst side of the panel, wherein the third panel is coupled to the firstpanel and slideable along a width of the first panel between a proximalposition and a distal position.

The sterilization device may further include a slide mechanism via whichthe third panel is coupled to the first panel, the slide mechanismcomprising a track and a slide block configured to move along the track.

The slide block may be configured to rotate relative to the track toallow the third panel to rotate relative to the first panel in a planethat includes the third panel.

The third panel may have a range of rotation of, e.g., greater than 3degrees relative to the first panel. For example, the third panel mayhave a range of rotation of greater than 5 degrees relative to the firstpanel.

The slide block may be rotatable relative to the track due to clearancebetween the slide block and one or more guide rails of the track.

The third panel may be configured to rotate, when in the distalposition, between a parallel orientation relative to the first panel andan angled orientation relative to the first panel.

The third panel, when in the angled orientation, may form, e.g., a rightangle relative to the first panel.

The sterilization device may further include: a slide mechanism viawhich the third panel is coupled to the first panel, the slide mechanismcomprising a track and a slide block configured to move along the track;and a pivot joint coupled to the slide block and about which the thirdpanel is configured to rotate relative to the first panel between theparallel orientation and the transverse orientation.

The pivot joint may include a locking mechanism to releasably lock theangle of rotation of the third panel relative to the first panel.

The third panel may be constrained from rotating from the parallelposition when the third panel is in the proximal position.

The sterilization device may be configurable into a U-shapedconfiguration in which the third panel and the second panel are at rightangles relative to the first panel.

The sterilization device may further include a fourth panel including afirst side, and an opposite second side configured to direct a fourthportion of the UV-C radiation outwardly from the second side, the fourthpanel configured to block UV-C radiation from passing outwardly from thefirst side.

The sterilization device may be configurable into a multi-walledenclosure, each of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel,and the fourth panel constituting a respective one of the four wallssuch that the second side of each of the first panel, the second panel,the third panel, and the fourth panel is directed to the interior of themulti-walled enclosure.

The fourth panel may be slideably and rotatably coupled to the secondpanel.

The sterilization device may further include an extension arm, thesterilization device configurable into a C-shaped configuration toreceive a hospital bed, with the first and second panels along a firstlongitudinal side of the bed, the third and fourth panels along the endsof the bed and the extension arm is extended across the bed and downwardsuch that the extension arm configured to emit UV-C radiation from thelongitudinal side of the bed that is opposite the first and secondpanels.

In accordance with example embodiments, a sterilization unit or deviceincludes: a first panel; a second panel coupled to the first panel; athird panel coupled to the first panel; and a fourth panel coupled tothe second panel, wherein each of the first panel, the second panel, thethird panel, and the fourth panel includes a first side, an oppositesecond side, and a UV-C radiation source configured to emit UV-Cradiation outwardly from the second side, each of the first panel, thesecond panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel configured to blockUV-C radiation from being passing outwardly away from the respectivefirst side, wherein the third panel is slideable between a proximal anddistal position relative to the first panel and, in the distal position,pivotable relative to the first panel, wherein the fourth panel isslideable between a proximal and distal position relative to the secondpanel and, in the distal position, pivotable relative to the secondpanel, and wherein the sterilization device is selectably configurableamong a plurality of configurations including a first configuration inwhich the second side of the first panel faces the second side of thesecond panel and a second configuration in which the second panel is ata right angle or greater relative to the first panel.

The first panel may be parallel to the second panel in the firstconfiguration of the device.

In the second configuration of the device, the third panel may beparallel to the first panel and the fourth panel may be parallel to thesecond panel.

The sterilization device may further include a third configuration inwhich the third panel is oriented at an angle of 30 degrees or greaterrelative to the first panel.

The sterilization device may be positionable as a room partition to emitUV-C radiation into a corner of a room while blocking UV-C radiationfrom other portions of the room.

In the third configuration, the fourth panel may be oriented at an angleof, e.g., 30 degrees or greater relative to the second panel.

In the third configuration, the device may be positionable adjacent to astraight wall to enclose a space between the wall and the device suchthat the device emits UV-C radiation into the space while blocking UV-Cradiation from being emitted away from the space.

In the second configuration, the third panel may be parallel to thefirst panel, the fourth panel may be parallel to the second panel, andthe device may be positionable as a room partition to emit UV-Cradiation into a corner of a room while blocking UV-C radiation fromother portions of the room.

The sterilization device may further include a cantilevered armcomprising a radiation source configured to emit UV-C radiation, thecantilevered arm moveable between a folded position and an extendedposition.

In the second configuration of the device, the first panel may beparallel to the second panel, the third panel may be perpendicular tothe first panel, the fourth panel may be perpendicular to the secondpanel, and the cantilevered arm may be in the extended position.

In the second configuration, the device may define a space to receive ahospital bed such that the hospital bed is irradiated with UV-C lightfrom four different sides, corresponding respectively to (a) the firstand second panels, (b) the third panel, (c) the fourth panel, and (d)the cantilevered arm.

The sterilization device may be modular such that a free end of thethird panel is configured to mate with a free end of a fourth panel of alike device, and a free end of the fourth panel is configured to matewith a free end of a third panel of a like device.

The sterilization device may further include an electronic controlsystem configured to selectably control the amount of UV-C radiationemitted from at least one of the panels based at least in part on theconfiguration of the panels.

In accordance with example embodiments, a method includes: providing aplurality of UV-C radiation-emitting panels to form a partitioned floorspace in a room; and emitting UV-C radiation from the panels tosterilize the partitioned floor space while blocking the UV-C radiationfrom floor space outside the partitioned floor space.

The partitioned floor space may be part of a hospital room.

The portioned floor space may include a hospital bed.

The plurality of UV-C radiation-emitting panels may be part of a mobileunit configured to sterilize temporary medical field operations remotefrom a hospital.

These and other features and advantages of example embodiments of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with theappended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a sterilization unit in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows some example configurations of the sterilization unit ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view of an active side of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1in an expanded linear configuration.

FIG. 4 is a view of an active side of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1in a linear configuration without expanded distal panels.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a pivot mechanism in the form of an extensionarm.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1 in anexpanded linear configuration.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1 in an expandedlinear configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1, in anorthogonal expanded configuration in a corner of a two-bed room of ahealthcare facility.

FIG. 9 a top view of the configuration of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1 in aC-shaped configuration when the extension arm in an extended position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit of FIG. 1 in acube-shaped enclosed orientation.

FIG. 12 is a sterilization system in accordance with related art.

FIG. 13 shows a guide mechanism joining two panels of the sterilizationunit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 shows the guide mechanism of FIG. 13 with a guide carriageremoved from a guide channel

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the guide carriage of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an end view of the guide channel of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is an end view of the guide chassis and guide channel of FIG.13.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional-view taken through line A-A of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional-view taken through line A-A of FIG. 17 whenone of the panels is on an upslope.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional-view taken through line A-A of FIG. 17 whenone of the panels is on a downslope.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional-view taken through line A-A of FIG. 17 whenone of the panels is supported on a lowered parallel surface.

FIGS. 22A to 22E show screenshots of a computer interface of thesterilization unit of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 23A to 23C schematically illustrate variations of configurablesterilization units.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a sterilization device according to anexample implementation, and depicts an outer view of a centralsterilization structure of the embodied device.

FIGS. 24B and 24C are perspective views of a sterilization devicecomprising the central sterilization structure of the device shown inFIG. 24A, except the device shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C comprises twoadditional panels attached to the central sterilization structure, shownin substantially retracted positions.

FIG. 25 is a view of the outer face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device according to an exampleimplementation, where the central sterilization structure has twoadditional panels attached thereto, shown in extended positions.

FIG. 26 is a view of the inner face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device according to an exampleimplementation. Two additional panels are attached thereto, shown insubstantially retracted positions.

FIG. 27 is a view of the inner face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device according to an exampleimplementation. Two additional panels are attached thereto, shown inextended positions.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are views of left and right profiles, respectively, ofan example implementation.

FIGS. 29A-D depict top views of embodiments in different configurations.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are top views of a device according to an embodiment,and depict rotational capabilities of the device.

FIG. 31 is a view of a device according to an embodiment in a containedconfiguration, demonstrating the ability of the device to form anenclosure within itself (e.g., a contained sterilization area).

FIG. 32 is a top view of two devices according to an example embodimentin a contained configuration, with a hospital bed depicted therein. Thetwo devices according to the invention are coupled together. One ispositioned on the left and one on the right forming a larger enclosureand sterilization volume.

FIG. 33 depicts multiple devices according to an embodiment of theinvention, shown in a linear configuration.

FIG. 34 shows a block diagram of an exemplary cloud computingenvironment according to example embodiments.

FIG. 35 shows an example of a computing device and a mobile computingdevice in connection with example implementations.

FIG. 36 schematically shows, in connection with an example, of acontaminated field surrounded by a sterilization unit of an exampleimplementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some example embodiments of the present invention are generally directedto, inter alia, a sterilization device and to methods for sterilizing.

Although the present invention entails many different embodiments,certain embodiments of the invention are shown and described. It shouldbe understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended tolimit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Reference numerals retain their designation and meaning for the same orlike or similar elements throughout the various drawings except to theextent indicated otherwise.

In one aspect, example embodiments of the invention relate to a devicefor sterilization of a space, surface, or structure. The device mayinclude a sterilization structure that has an outer first face and aninner second face, where the inner face comprises one or more UV-Cradiation sources.

In some embodiments, the central sterilization structure comprises afirst panel and a second panel, wherein the first and second panels areattached to one another to form the central sterilization structure,

In some embodiments, the central sterilization structure is a structurecomprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first andsecond panels are attached to another to form the central sterilizationstructure. As used herein, the term “attached” refers to both direct andindirect attachments. So, for example, in the case of the first andsecond panels of the central sterilization structure of the device ofthe invention, “attached to one another” means that the first and secondpanels are attached to one another either directly or indirectly (e.g.,through any acceptable joining structure, for example, through a centralstructure such as a central beam or base portion).

In some embodiments, the first and second panels may be fixedly attachedto one another, meaning that the panels are attached either directly orindirectly (e.g., through a structure such as a central beam) and arenot configured to move in relation to one another. In some embodiments,the first and second panels may be moveably attached to one another,meaning that the panels are attached directly or indirectly and areconfigured to be able to move in relation to one another. As usedherein, “moveably attached” means that an item is able to move in anydesired or art-accepted manner (e.g., slidingly, translationally,hingedly, and/or rotationally, etc.) in relation to the item to which itis directly or indirectly attached (e.g., where moveably attached, thefirst and second panels are able to move in any desired or art-acceptedmanner in relation to one another).

In some embodiments, panels and/or other elements of devices of theinvention are hingedly attached, meaning, e.g., that elements areattached such that at least one element is able to turn or pivot withrespect to the other, and/or that the elements are positions such thatthey (or at least one of the elements) can be rotated with respect toeach other. For example, in relation to hingedly attached panels, thepanels are attached such that at least one of the panels is able to turnor pivot with respect to the other (e.g., through any acceptableattachment means), and/or that the panels are positioned such that they(or at least one of the panels) can be rotated with respect to eachother. In some embodiments, hingedly attached refers to a mechanism ofattachment wherein the panels of the device are attached, for example,with a bracket hinge, telescope hinge, ball bearing hinge, pivot hingeetc. where a pivotal axis perpendicular to the direction or degree ofmotion can be identified.

In some embodiments, panels and/or other elements of devices of theinvention are slidingly attached, meaning, e.g., that the elements areattached such that at least one element is able to slide back and forth(for example, in a linear and/or parallel direction) in relation to theother element. For example, in relation to slidingly attached panels,the panels are attached such that at least one of the panels is able toslide back and forth in in relation to the other panel.

In some embodiments, panels and/or other elements of devices of theinvention are translationally attached, meaning, e.g., that elements areattached such that at least one element is able to move in at least onelinear direction in relation to another element. As used herein,“translationally” includes movement in more than one direction, e.g., intwo, three, four, five directions, etc. The direction(s) oftranslational movement may be any desired direction(s).

In some embodiments, structure of the sterilization device or unitprovides sufficient support (e.g., by virtue of an L-shapedconfiguration) for the sterilization device to stably stand uprightduring operation, for example, such that inner and/or outer faces of thesterilization device are relatively perpendicular to a floor.

In some embodiments, the sterilization device comprises one or moresupportive structures. Supportive structures include any desirablestructures that enhance the device (e.g., a stabilization-enhancingstructure). For example, in some embodiments, the sterilization devicecomprises a supporting appendage and/or or a base. In some embodiments,the sterilization device comprising a supporting appendage that extendsfrom an outer face of the sterilization device.

In some examples, the sterilization structure of the sterilizationdevice of the invention includes an outer face and an inner face, wherethe inner face comprises one or more UV-C radiation sources.

In accordance with example embodiments, the UV-C light or radiationsources may be one or more suitable sources that emit ultraviolet (UV)electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 100 andabout 280 nm. The UV-C radiation sources may be configured, e.g., tosterilize any space, surface, and/or structure.

The UV-C radiation sources may be any suitable source. In someimplementations, the one or more radation sources may include one ormore germicidal fluorescent lamp. In some examples, the lamp may have awattage greater than 15 W, e.g., greater than 20 W, e.g., greater than30 W, e.g., greater than 40 W, e.g., 41 W or greater, and the lamp mayoperate on any suitable voltage circuit, e.g., an alternating currentsource of 120V. In some examples, the lamp may output UV-C light (e.g.,253.7 nm wavelength) at greater than 15 W, e.g. greater than 20 watts,e.g., 21 watts or greater. In some examples, the lamp may provide a UV-Clight intensity, at 3 meters distance from the bulb, of 15 or greater,e.g., 17 or greater, microwatts per square centimeter. In a particularexample, the lamp is (in nominal values) a 42 W lamp with a 425 mAcurrent, 113V voltage, 21 W UV-C output, 17 microwatt per squarecentimeter at 3 meters, and an average bulb life of 16,000 hours.

In some embodiments, the UV radiation source is one or more ultravioletlamps, for example, a model 3 watt 10.5 volt T6 Intermediate Screw (E17)Base Germicidal Preheat Incandescent lamp (EIKO), or its equivalent. Insome embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is one or more of atraditional UV lamp, such as a mercury-based or non-mercury-based UVlamp. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is one or more UV-Clight emitting diode (LED) lamps. In some embodiments the UV-C radiationsources (e.g., bulbs) are shatter resistant, which can enhance thesafety of the device. In some embodiments, the one or more UV-Cradiation sources comprise at least two different types of UV-Cradiation sources. In some embodiments, the sterilization device of theinvention is one which excludes UV LEDs (the UV-C radiation source(s)is(/are) not one or more LEDs). The UV-C radiation sources used in theinvention may be present in any size, shape, and number desired.

In certain embodiments, the one or more UV-C radiation source of theinvention emits continuous radiation. In certain embodiments, the one ormore UV-C radiation source of the invention is able to produce differentpatterns of radiation. The patterns may be, for instance, pulsed,fractional, collimated or scattered to ensure sufficient propagation ofthe UV-C radiation. In some examples, the patterns may be selectedand/or controlled by or via a computer processor of a control system ofthe sterilization device.

In some embodiments, the inner face of the sterilization structure ofthe sterilization device includes a first panel and a second panel, andat least one of the first and second panels comprises one or more UV-Cradiation sources. In some embodiments, both the first and second panelscomprise one or more UV-C radiation sources. Where the face of a panelcomprises one or more UV-C radiation sources, that face may be called an“active face”.

In some embodiments, the sterilization device of the invention comprisestwo or more (e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten ormore) UV-C radiation sources.

In some embodiments, the sterilization device of the invention comprisesone or more of an array of UV-C radiation sources.

In some embodiments, the device of the invention includes a control ormanagement mechanism. As used herein, “management mechanism” refers to amechanism that, alone or together with some mechanism, contributes tocontrolling and/or powering the sterilization device. In someembodiments, the management mechanism may include, for example, anactivation switch for controlling a part of the device (e.g., forcontrolling one or more UV-C radiation sources of the sterilizationdevice). In some embodiments, the management mechanism includes a powersource. The power source may be suited, for example, for electricallypowering one or more UV-C radiation sources. Any acceptable power sourcemay be used. In some embodiments, the power source may include an ACpower cord, a DC power cord, e.g., from a transformer or battery pack, aUSB or IEEE 1394 receptacle for plugging into a (DC) powered USB or IEEE1394 device, a battery or set of batteries, or a fuel cell. In someembodiments, the management mechanism may include a timing unit orcircuit to control the duration of exposure of a target to one or moreUV-C radiation sources. In some embodiments, the management mechanismcomprises a control box. In some embodiments, the management mechanismcomprises a switch (e.g., a gyroscopically-based switch), also referredto herein as a “safety trigger”, that automatically turns-off the deviceof the invention if the device tips all or partially over. The switch orsafety trigger may be implemented as a precautionary item that aims toprevent accidental UV exposure to a user in case the device were to fallover during a sterilization process and or be bumped and redirectedduring a sterilization process, which could result in accidentalexposure to a user. In some embodiments, the management mechanism servesas an advantageous aspect of the integratability of the device withinthe complex healthcare environment. In various embodiments, themanagement mechanism is able to recognize, record, and/or reportparameters such as date, time, user ID, patient room number, type ofsterilization surface or space (e.g., hospital bed), duration ofsterilization, optical intensity, and/or sterilization effectiveness. Insuch embodiments, the management mechanism may beneficially contributetoward providing logistical structure for the sterilization process, andmay thereby reduce infection rates in a healthcare institution.

In various embodiments, the devices and methods of the invention utilizeone or more field markers, which may serve multiple purposes. In someembodiments, field markers are used to communicate with the managementmechanism. For example, in some embodiments, one or more field markers(which may be any desirable structure, e.g., small buoy-like structures)have a UV (e.g., UV-C) detector and a software mechanism to communicatewith the management mechanism. In embodiments where the device of theinvention comprises one or more field marker(s), the field marker(s) mayeither be attached to, or may exist as a separate physical entity (orentities) from the device of the invention. In certain embodiments, thefield marker includes (e.g., has a coating of) a polymer containing UVsensitive pigments, enabling the field marker to change color(s) duringa sterilization cycle, thereby giving the user a qualitative affirmationthat the desired sterilization is taking place. In some embodiments, atthe onset of a sterilization procedure, the one or more field markersmay be placed on or near the object (e.g., surface or structure) orspace being sterilized—then the sterilization process may be initiatedand the field marker communicates to the management mechanism oncesufficient UV-C exposure to the object or space being sterilized hasbeen reached. This communication can function as a quantitativeaffirmation that the sterilization process has been completed andsuccessful. This parameter can be determined by, e.g., intensity,proximity and exposure time, alone or in any combination. In someembodiments, the invention can also contain a sensor mechanism along thefaces of panels or other structures, which may also act as a safetymechanism in case a user or other person were to accidentally attempt towalk through the sterilization field during a sterilization process.This sensor may be, for example, a light, vibration, infrared, and/orultrasonic sensor.

In some embodiments, the control or management system or mechanism is inelectrical communication, whether direct or indirect, with thesterilization device. In some embodiments, the management mechanism isphysically dissociated from an outer face of the sterilization structureof the sterilization device. For example, in some implementations, themanagement mechanism may be free-standing, and in some implementations,the management mechanism may be a self-contained device. In someexamples, the management mechanism is physically connected to the deviceof the invention. In some examples, the management mechanism is locatedon the device of the invention. For example, in some implementations,the management mechanism is located on the sterilization structure ofthe sterilization device of the invention, for example, on the outerface of the one or more panels of the sterilization structure. In someexamples, some aspects of the management mechanism are locatedseparately from other aspects of the management mechanism For example, apower switch may be physically located separate and apart from a powersource.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sterilization device 1000 according toan example embodiment, and depicts an outer view of a sterilizationstructure. In various embodiments, the outer face of the sterilizationstructure is intended to be the point of operation, or the userinterface for devices of the invention.

The sterilization device shown in FIG. 1 includes a first panel 1200 anda second panel 1300 that are hingedly attached to one another to form afree-standing sterilization structure. More specifically, first panel1200 is indirectly hingedly attached to second panel 1300 through basebody 1100. Base body 1100 is connected to base 1105. In the illustratedembodiment, base body 1100 is essentially a hollow tubular structure, towhich the panels 1200 and 1300 connect via joints 1120 a, 1120 b, 1120c, and 1120 d, collectively referred to as joints 1120. The joints 1120allow the panels 1200 and 1300 to rotate relative to each other betweena closed configuration, as illustrated in the left portion of FIG. 2, toopen configurations such as shown in the top, right, and bottom portionsof FIG. 2.

The first panel 1200 and the second panel 1300 pivot relative to thebase body via two separate parallel vertical rotation or pivot axes Aand B, as shown in FIG. 1. The first pivot axis A is defined by joints1120 a and 1120 b, and the second pivot axis B is defined by joints 1120c and 1120 d. It should be understood, however, that any number ofjoints, including a single joint, may be provided for each pivot axis.It should be further understood that other configurations may includeonly a single pivot axis between the first panel 1200 and the secondpanel 1300, e.g., in configurations where the first panel 1200 isdirectly hinged or otherwise mounted to the second panel 1300. Moreover,the one or more pivot axes of the panels 1200 and 1300 may be providedin any suitable orientation relative to each other and/or thesurroundings, e.g., the floor on which the device 1000 is supported.

The first panel 1200 has a first face 1210 and a second face 1220.Likewise, the second panel 1300 has a first face 1310 and a second face1320.

Slideably connected to the first and second panels 1200 and 1300 arethird and fourth panels 1400 and 1500, respectively. The third panel1400 is mounted to slide relative to the first panel 1200 via a firstset of parallel guide mechanisms 1600 a and 1600 b, while the fourthpanel 1500 is mounted to slide relative to the second panel 1300 via asecond set of parallel guide mechanisms 1600 c and 1600 d. As thesemechanisms 1600 a, 1600 b, 1600 c, and 1600 d operate in the same mannerin the illustrated example, they are described generically as guidemechanism 1600, it being understood that these elements have the samefeatures, except that guide mechanisms 1600 a and 1600 b are mirrorimages with respect to guide mechanisms 1600 c and 1600 d.

In addition to each of the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 beingslideable between respective proximal positions (see, e.g., FIG. 1, andleft-side portion of FIG. 2) and distal positions (see, e.g., FIGS. 6and 7 and top portion of FIG. 2), the fourth and fifth panels 1400 and1500 are rotatable, after moving into their distal positions, relativeto the respective first and second panels 1200 and 1300. The fourth andfifth panels 1400 and 1500 are shown in rotated orientations in thebottom and right-side portions of FIG. 2 and in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 arerotatable relative to the first and second panels 1200 and 1300 aboutrotation or pivot axes C and D, which in the illustrated example arevertical and parallel to the pivot axes A and B of the respective firstand second panels 1200 and 1300. It should be appreciated, however, thatin some examples the pivot axes may be non-vertical and/or non-parallelto each other. The angle of rotation of adjacent elements (e.g., panels)about the axes A, B, C, and D may be within any suitable range andinclude any number of angles, e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees,180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, or 360 degrees.

At the distal ends of the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 arefirst and second linking sections or panels 1480 and 1580 respectively.The linking sections 1480 and 1580 are rotatable relative to the thirdand fourth panels 1400 and 1500 about rotation or pivot axes E and F,illustrated in FIG. 3. Although these axes E and F are parallel withaxes A, B, C, and D, any suitable rotation axes may be provided. Linkingpanels 1480 and 1580 may be folded or rotated about respective axes Eand F in any suitable angle and/or direction and may include, in someimplementations, a matte black or other suitable surface configured toreduce light reflection and/or light leakage around the edges of theunit 1000.

The linking sections 1480 and 1580 are complementary in that they areconfigured to be releasably attached to each other at their respectivedistal ends via a latching and/or locking mechanism. This allows thesterilization unit 1000 to be folded and secured into the orientationshown in the bottom portion of FIG. 2 and in FIG. 11, as well assecuring the unit 1000 in its closed orientation, as shown, for example,in the left-side portion of FIG. 2.

The complementary nature of the linking sections 1480 and 1580 alsoallow multiple instances of the sterilization unit 1000 to be linked toeach other end-to end. In some such examples, the control system of oneof the linked sterilization units may control all of the other linkedunits 1000 in a master-slave arrangement.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the UV-C light is emitted from UV-C lightsources 1060 a, 1060 b, 1060 c, 1060 d, 1060 e, 1060 f, 1060 g, 1060 h,1060 i, 1060 j, 1060 k, 1060 m, 1060 n, 1060 p, 1060 q, 1060 r, and 1060t which may be generically and/or collectively referred to herein asUV-C light source or sources 1060 and include the features of the UV-Clight sources described herein unless indicated otherwise. Each of theUV-C light sources includes a fluorescent UV-C emitting bulb and acurved reflective panel mounted behind the bulb. The reflective panelprovides greater light intensity by reflecting light initially emittedaway from the sterilization target back toward the target. The curvaturemay be round, parabolic, or any other suitable geometry. Some examplesmay not include reflectors, e.g., where direction light-emittingelements are provided.

Referring to, for example, FIGS. 4 and 5, the UV-C light source 1060 tis mounted on a cantilevered pivot mechanism 1700, which pivots about arotation or pivot axis G at a location that is relatively close to thebase body 1100, although the location of the pivot axis G may be at anyother suitable location in some examples. Although the pivot mechanism1700 is mounted to the second panel 1300 it should be understood thatthe pivot mechanism 1700 may be mounted to any panel or base body or anyother suitable component of the sterilization unit 1000. The pivot axisG is parallel to the other axes A, B, C, D, E, and F, but may beselected to be non-parallel and/or non-vertical in some examples.Further, although the pivot mechanism 1700 includes a single UV-C lightsource 1060 t mounted on a downward extension 1710 in the illustratedexample, it should be understood that any number of UV-C light sourcesmay be provided and at any suitable location. For example, one or moreadditional UV-C sources may be provided on the pivot arm 1705 of thepivot mechanism 1700. This would allow, in some examples, UV-C light tobe projected downwardly to a sterilization target or targets at alocation below the pivot arm 1705.

The pivot mechanism 1700 is actuatable to move the light source 1060 tfrom a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 4, to an extended position,as shown in FIG. 10. The pivot mechanism may be actuated, for example,by manual actuation and/or automatic actuation, e.g., anelectro-mechanical actuator which, in some examples, may be poweredand/or controlled by the control system of the overall unit and/or adedicated control system. The pivot mechanism 1700 may also be comprisedof one or more UV-C emitting devices

Although the UV-C-emitting components of the UV-C light sources 1060 arelinear fluorescent bulbs, it should be appreciated that any suitableUV-C light source may be provided, e.g., non-linear and/ornon-fluorescent elements.

The various panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500, as well as the base body1100 and the linking sections 1480 and 1580 are configured to block UV-Clight radiation from passing therethrough.

Since the panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 include UV-C light sourcesmounted on their respective second faces 1220, 1320, 1420, and 1520, andthe panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 are highly configurable, thesterilization unit 1000 is extremely adaptable to many differentsterilization applications. Adding to this flexibility is the ability ofthe unit 1000 to selectively control the UV-C light sources based onparticular applications.

Further, since the various panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500, as well asthe base body 1100 and the linking sections 1480 and 1580 are configuredto block UV-C light radiation from passing therethrough, thesterilization unit 1000 is selectably configurable in a manner thatirradiates—from multiple angles—desired sterilization targets whileshielding the surroundings, including people and/or animals, from theUV-C light.

In some examples, such as illustrated in FIG. 3, one or more windows1080 are provided. In the illustrated example, the each of the panels1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 includes a respective window 1080 a, 1080 b,1080 c, and 1080 d, which may be generically and/or collectivelyreferred to herein as window or windows 1080.

The windows 1080 allow visible light to pass from the irradiatedsterilization area, but block UV-C light. This allows a human operatorto view the sterilization zone without being exposed to the UV-C light.The window may be, for example, glass and/or one or more polymericmaterials. The window may or may not include a protective barrieragainst UV-A and UV-B light which may be generated as byproducts fromsome UV-C light sources. Such protection may be provided, for example,as a protective film and/or tint, which in some examples may also serveto dampen the brightness of the light sources 1060 for bystanders.

The panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 are reconfigurable between a largenumber of selectable panel orientations depending upon, for example,desired mobilization of the unit 1000, the particular sterilizationapplication, and/or space constraints in a particular environment. Insome orientations, the panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 are controlledto sterilize spaces, surfaces, and/or objects onto which the unit 1000is configured to direct UV-C light, as described in greater detailherein.

Referring to FIG. 3, the device 1000 includes casters 1050 a, 1050 b,1050 c, 1050 d, 1050 e, 1050 f, 1050 g, 1050 h, and 1050 i, which may bereferred to collectively or generically herein as caster or casters1050. The casters 1050 a, 1050 b, and 1050 c are mounted at the base1105 of the base body 1100, the casters 1050 d and 1050 e are mounted atthe respective distal portions of the first and second panels 1200 and1300, the casters 1050 f and 1050 h are mounted at respective proximallocations on the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500, and the casters1050 g and 1050 i are mounted at respective distal locations on thethird and fourth panels 1400 and 1500. The casters 1050 thus fullysupport the sterilization unit 1000 while allowing the unit 1000 to berolled to different locations and repositioned into the multipleconfigurations such as, for example, the various example configurationsdescribed herein.

Although the unit 1000 may be moved or transported while in any desiredpanel orientation, it may be particularly beneficial to configure theunit 1000 into a closed panel orientation, as illustrated in theleft-side portion of FIG. 2, since the compact dimensions may allow theunit 1000 to be more easily maneuvered, including moving the unitthrough standard door openings (e.g., door openings that are 32 incheswide by 82.5 inches tall).

Once the unit 1000 is in a desired position in a room, the first andsecond panels 1200 and 1300 may be opened relative to each other at anysuitable angle (e.g., assuming the closed, parallel position to be zerodegrees, the selected angle may be any angle between zero and 360degrees, e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225degrees, 270 degrees, or 360 degrees) and the third and fourth panels1400 and 1500 may each by fully or partially slid into their distalpositions and remain parallel to the slide path or rotated about theirrespective pivot axes C and D.

To secure the sterilization unit 1000 against unintentional rolling, thefirst panel 1200 and the second panel 1300 include securement feet 1230and 1330 as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3. The securement feet1230 and 1330 are each actuatable between a retracted position, in whichthe feet 1230 and 1330 do not contact the surface supporting the unit1000, and an extended position in which the feet 1230 and 1330 contactthe surface supporting the unit 1000 in order to resist rolling viacasters 1050. In the state illustrated in FIG. 3, the securement foot1230 is in the retracted position and securement foot 1330 is in theextended position. Although the illustrated example includes securementfeet, it should be appreciated that any form of temporary lockingmechanism may be provided, and some examples may not include anymechanism to resist against rolling.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a configuration that may be advantageous forsterilizing an elongated surface, such as, for example, a wall of ahospital room or hallway. In this configuration, the first and secondpanels 1200 and 1300 have been rotated to an angle of 180 degrees andsubstantially coplanar, and the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500have been extended into their distal positions, without furtherrotation, such that each of the first panel 1200, the second panel 1300,the third panel 1400, and the fourth panel 1500 are parallel and havetheir UV-C sources 1060 directed to emit UV-C light in the samedirection. For this example unit 1000, this configuration maximizes theeffective length of the unit 1000, which may provide for more efficientsterilization of longer surfaces such as long walls in a room or ahallway.

Further, due to the presence of multiple UV-C sources 1060, the targetsurface, e.g., a wall, is hit at each location with light from multipleangles, which increases the effective light strength and facilitateslight coverage, especially where there are irregularities in the targetsurface. In contrast, alternative systems such as shown in FIG. 12 onlyallow each location of a sterilization target to be hit with a UV-Cradiation from a single direction, corresponding to the single source,and the UV-C light intensity decreases dramatically as the lightprogresses further away from the source 20. Another problem is theresults in systems such as shown in FIG. 12 are never repeatable toachieve epidemiological results because of the target surfaces; inexample implementations in accordance with the present invention, thereare known quantities of space, which allows for reproducible results(e.g., light intensity at various locations) within the known quantitiesof space (e.g., surface area and/or volume). Alternative systems such asillustrated in FIG. 12 are, in contrast, subject to the size variationand/or irregularities of a room.

In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the linking sections 1480 and 1580 arerotated to provide shielding against UV-C light passing from thesterilization target area. In other examples, the linking panels 1480and 1580 may be coupled to corresponding linking sections 1580 and 1480,respectively, of one or more other sterilization units 1000. Thismodular structure allows for an even longer effective length forsimultaneous sterilization.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example configuration for sterilizing a portion ofa two-bed hospital room. In these configurations, the sterilization unit1100 has been rolled into the room, e.g., through a standard doorwayentrance, and expanded into the illustrated configuration. Thisconfiguration is similar to that of FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the third andfourth panels 1400 and 1500 are in their fully extended distalpositions, without further rotation, but differs in that the first andsecond panels 1200 and 1300 have been rotated to an angle less than 180degrees, in particular a substantially right angle. Referring, forexample, to FIGS. 8 and 9, it should be noted that the base body 1100may be oriented at differing angles relative to the panels 1200 and1300. In this manner, the base body 1100 may function as an additionallinkage in the structure of the sterilization unit 1000, which providesfor additional flexibility and allows for controls located on the basebody 1100 to be oriented in a desired direction.

As illustrated, the configuration of FIGS. 8 and 9, as well as manyother possible configurations, allows for only a selected target portionof a larger area (the room in this example) to be sterilized, whilesimultaneously blocking the UV-C light from other portions of the area.This has many potential advantages, including, for example, the abilityto sterilize one bedding area of a room while simultaneously the secondbed is inhabited by a patient and healthcare personnel are permitted tobe present in the room without substantial exposure to the UV-C light.This also provides advantages for convenient healthcare work flow andpermitting use of the space surrounding the sterilization unit inconsiderations for the urgency and expedited needs of a healthcarefacility.

The room partition setups such as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may beextremely effective especially for contact precaution sterilization. Inthis position, the outer panels are fully extended and are placedagainst the wall as illustrated. The first and second, or inner, panels1200 and 1300 form a 90° angle to each other creating an enclosurecombined with the wall portions adjacent the corner of the room. Theconfiguration may be locked via a locking mechanism such as described ingreater detail herein.

Further, due to the orthogonal orientation of the first and third panels1200 and 1400 relative to the second and fourth panels 1300 and 1500,the UV-C light sources 1060 provide enhanced UV-C irradiation across theentire target area. Light output from the four panels 1200, 1300, 1400,and 1500 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 9 by arrows shown in thesterilization target zone. The arrows use different styles of brokenlines to help distinguish the output from the four different panels forillustration purposes and do not denote any differences in intensity ofUV-C light coming from the various panels 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500. Asillustrated, the light paths overlap in the target zone, which increaseseffective intensity, coverage, and the number of angles from which thesurfaces or objects are hit with the UV-C light. This focusing of UV-Cenergy from multiple directions results in convergent amplification onthe target surface and pathogens. Since, for particular configurations,distances between the light sources and various locations within thesterilization target area are known and output intensities of the UV-Csources 1060 are known, the system 1000 may, in some implementations,selectively control the number and/or intensities of the UV-C sourcesbased on the configuration in order to achieve adequate UV-C lightintensity at locations to be sterilized.

As indicated above, alternative systems such as shown in FIG. 12 onlyallow each location of a sterilization target to be hit with a UV-Cradiation from a single direction, corresponding to the single source,and the UV-C light intensity decreases dramatically as the lightprogresses further away from the source 20. In addition to noteffectively sterilizing the target area, at least without repositioningthe source 20 multiple times within the same room for a single object orarea, the system of FIG. 12 also does not include any mechanism toprevent areas outside of a target area from receiving UV-C radiation.

FIG. 10 shows a further configuration of the of the sterilization unit1000. This configuration is similar to the configuration of FIGS. 6 and7 but differs in that the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 havebeen further rotated, about respective axes C and D, to be atsubstantially right angles to the first and second panels 1200 and 1300,and the pivot mechanism 1700 has been pivoted into a fully extendedposition orthogonal to the first and second panels 1200 and 1300. Thisconfiguration may be especially useful for elongated, e.g., rectangular,sterilization targets, such as, for example, a patient bed or operatingtable 30 such as that illustrated in FIG. 10. The light source 1060 tallows for the sterilization unit 1000 to irradiate the target 30 withtrue 360 degree UV-C light exposure, e.g., on a surface, object, orspace. It should be noted that in some examples the pivot mechanism 1700includes multiple UV-C light sources and/or the unit includes multiplepivot mechanisms 1700.

The arrangement of FIG. 10 allows in some examples, a plurality oftargets 30 to be sterilized sequentially. This may be facilitated, forexample, by swinging open the third or fourth panel 1400 or 1500 toprovide access for inserting and removing the respective targets 30before and after the respective sterilizations.

FIG. 11 shows a further configuration whereby the sterilization unitforms a continuous enclosure around the sterilization target or targets.In this configuration, the first and second panels 1200 and 1300 arerotated to be orthogonal to each other and the third and fourth panels1400 and 1500 have been fully distally extended and further rotated tobe orthogonal to the first and second panels 1200 and 1300,respectively. To complete and secure the enclosure, the first linkingsection 1480 is latched with the second linking section 1580. Thisarrangement provides for the UV-C light to impinge on the sterilizationtarget or targets from all four sides while blocking the UV-C light fromthe surrounding areas.

The sterilization unit 1000 may be advantageously utilized for dischargesterilization of patient rooms, which is a sterilization procedure thatoccurs when a patient is being released from a healthcare facility. Insome examples, the healthcare worker would implement the sterilizationunit 1000 after mechanical cleaning of patient room. Example Items thatneed sterilization that could be performed by the sterilization unit1000:

-   -   Patient bed (All sheets and linens off bed)    -   Night stand    -   Sink/Sink Area    -   Bathroom    -   Chair    -   Over-the-bed-table/Meal tray    -   Wall/Patient Zone

The patient bed may need to be sterilized independently from all otheritems to ensure effective 360° sterilization. Depending on the layout ofroom, some other items, e.g., chair, nightstand, and food tray may becombined and effectively sterilized at the same time. In some otherexample implementations, all items may be sterilized simultaneously.

FIGS. 13 to 21 show in greater detail the guide mechanism 1600 by whichthe third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 slide and rotate relative tothe respective first and second panels 1200 and 1300. The exampleillustrated is, in particular one of the mechanisms 1600 c or 1600 dlinking the second and fourth panels 1300 and 1500, it being understoodthat the guide mechanisms 1600 a and 1600 b are mirror images of what isillustrated in FIGS. 13 to 21. The guide mechanisms 1600 each include alinear C-shaped guide channel 1610 and a guide carriage 1640 configuredto be received in the guide channel 1610. Referring to FIG. 16, theguide channel 1610 is C-shaped and includes a back plate 1630, whichmounts directly to the first or second panel 1200 or 1300. The guidechannel 1610 also includes an upper flange 1612 and a lower flange 1622spaced apart and supported from the back plate 1630 via an upper block1614 and a lower block 1624, respectively, to form a respective upperand lower spaces or recesses 1616 and 1626.

Referring to FIG. 15, the guide carriage includes a guide plate 1645 anda mounting plate 1660. The guide plate 1645 includes an upper extension1646 and a lower extension 1647. When the guide carriage and channel ofrespective FIGS. 15 and 16 are assembled, as illustrated, for example,in FIG. 13, the upper extension 1646 of the guide carriage 1640 isreceived and laterally constrained in the upper recess 1616 of the guidechannel 1610, and the lower extension 1647 of the guide carriage 1640 isreceived and laterally constrained in the lower recess 1626 of the guidechannel 1610. This mating allows the guide carriage 1640 to slide alongaxis G, shown in FIG. 13. Although the axis G is horizontal and linearin the illustrated example, it should be understood that any suitablesliding path may be provided, including, for example, curved, nonlinear,and/or non-horizontal paths.

To apply lateral support forces during the sliding of the guide carriage1640 relative to the guide channel 1610, the guide carriage 1640includes bearing surfaces 1648 a, 1648 b, 1648 c, and 1648 d, which maybe collectively referred to herein as bearing surfaces 1648. Bearingsurfaces 1648 a, 1648 b, 1648 c, and 1648 d are configured to contactand be slideable along respective bearing surfaces 1611 a, 1611 b, 1611c, and 1611 d of the guide channel 1610, which is illustrated in FIG.16, in order to laterally constrain the guide carriage 1640 as it slidesalong the path defined by the guide channel 1610. These interfacesconstitute a plain bearing, although it should be appreciated that anyother suitable guide mechanism may be provided, e.g., one or more linearbearings or other guides.

The bearing surfaces 1648 may be formed of a low-friction material, suchas, for example, PTFE, although any suitable material may be provided.

As indicated above, the guide carriages 1640 and guide channels 1610provide lateral constraint between the guide carriages 1640 and theguide channels 1610, which are mounted to the first and second panels1200 and 1300. Referring to FIG. 1, these guide interfaces are providedat two locations—one upper and one lower—on each panel 1200, 1300, 1400,1500. The guide channels 1610 extend along the length of the first andsecond panels 1200 and 1300, while the guide carriages 1640 mount alonga proximal end of each of the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500are each mounted to the mounting plates 1660 of the guide carriages 1640via a pivot or rotation shaft 1680 which passes through an opening 1661in the mounting plate 1660, forming the respective rotation axis C or Ddepending on the panel, axis D being shown in the illustrated example ofFIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 13, the third and fourth panel 1400 and 1500have a clevis structure that extends above and below the mounting plate1660 to receive the pivot shaft 1680 above and below the mounting plate1660.

After rotating the third or fourth panel 1400 or 1500 the angle ofrotation may, in some examples, be temporarily set or locked inposition. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 13 to 21, the angle istemporarily locked by selectively pushing a locking pin through a recessor hole in the panel 1400 or 1500 and one of a plurality of recesses orholes 1663 at various angles about the opening 1661. It should beunderstood, however, that any suitable mechanism may be provided.

Likewise, the angle of each of the first and second panels 1200 and 1300is locked by an analogous locking system.

The locking of the rotation angle of each panel 1200, 1300, 1400, and1500 may be activated by levers or switches, e.g., on each of therespective panels. Further the locking, or any other actuation describedherein may be performed manually or automatically by an actuator (e.g.,a motor, leadscrew, hydraulic piston, pneumatic piston, and/or any othersuitable actuator).

Although the proximal portions of the third and fourth panels 1400 and1500 are laterally supported by the guide mechanisms 1600, the weight ofthe third and fourth panels 1400 and 1500 is supported by respectivesets of casters including casters 1050 f and 1050 g for third panel 1400and casters 1050 h and 1050 i for fourth panel 1500. Accordingly, onflat, even surfaces, the guide plates 1645 of the guide carriages 1640are maintained level and at an approximately centered distance relativeto upper and lower channel surfaces 1611 e and 1611 f, leaving upper andlower clearances or gaps 1635 a and 1635 b, as illustrated in FIGS. 17and 18.

Providing the substantial clearances 1635 a and 1635 b providesforgiveness and helps prevent binding of the mechanisms 1600 on unevensurfaces. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates a situation where the fourthpanel 1500 is on a slight upslope relative to a flat horizontal surfacesupporting the base 1100 and second panel 1300. Having both casters 1050h and 1050 i of the fourth panel 1500 in contact with the up-slopedsupport surface causes the guide plate 1645 to be rotated with respectto the guide channel 1610. This results in longitudinal axis H of theguide plate 1645, which in FIG. 18 aligns with the channel or path axisG, being angled at an angle 0 relative to the axis G.

Similarly, FIG. 20 illustrates a situation where the fourth plate 1500is on a slight downslope relative to a flat horizontal surfacesupporting the base 1100 and second panel 1300. Having both casters 1050h and 1050 i of the fourth panel 1500 in contact with the down-slopedsupport surface causes the guide plate 1645 to be rotated with respectto the guide channel 1610. This results in longitudinal axis H of theguide plate 1645 being angled relative to the axis G such that the angle0 is negative.

The maximum and minimum for the angle 0 is determined in this example bythe extent to which the guide plate 1645 can rotate in each directionbefore the upper or lower surface 1649 a or 1649 b of the guide plate1645 contacts the upper or lower surface 1611 e or 1611 f of the guidechannel 1610. Although any suitable range of rotation of the guide plate1645 may be provided, in some implementations, the range of motion mayinclude an angle 0 that can vary, for example, (a) from 30 degrees tonegative 30 degrees, (b) from 25 degrees to negative 25 degrees, (c)from 20 degrees to negative 20 degrees, (d) from 15 degrees to negative15 degrees, (e) from 10 degrees to negative 10 degrees, (f) from 8degrees to negative 8 degrees, (g) from 5 degrees to negative 5 degrees,or (h) from 3 degrees to negative 3 degrees. In some implementations,the permissible range for angle 0 is selected based on intendedapplications. For example, in a hospital setting with relatively flatfloors, a much smaller range of angles may be needed as compared to asurface in a field application such as, e.g., a war zone or disasterrelief setting where the ground/support surface to the base 1100 wouldbe much more irregular.

FIG. 21 illustrates a situation where the fourth plate 1500 is on asurface that is parallel but lower than the surface supporting the base1100 and second panel 1300. Having both casters 1050 h and 1050 i of thefourth panel 1500 in contact with the lower parallel surface causes theguide plate 1645 to be translated downwardly with respect to the guidechannel 1610 up until a limit set by contact between the lower surface1649 b of the guide plate 1645 and the lower surface 1611 f of thechannel 1610 Similarly, having the fourth plate 1500 is on a surfacethat is parallel but higher than the surface supporting the base 1100and second panel 1300 would cause the guide plate 1645 to be translatedupwardly with respect to the guide channel 1610 up until a limit set bycontact between the upper surface 1649 a of the guide plate 1645 and theupper surface 1611 e of the channel 1610.

As indicated above, the sterilization unit includes a control systemthat manages various aspects and functions of the sterilization unit1000, including, inter alia, selectively controlling the multiple UV-Csources. In some examples, the control system will determine whatorientation the unit 1000 is in and activate one or more UV-C sources1060 (e.g., as determined by the control system based on the unitorientation) for calculated or predetermined periods of time that may bethe same or different among the activated UV-C source or sources (e.g.,on a source by source or panel by panel basis).

The control system in the illustrated example includes a touchscreen1810 which serves as both a display and an input device. It should beunderstood than any known displays, e.g., non-touchscreen displays, oruser input devices, e.g., keyboards, trackpads, and/or mice, may beprovided in addition or instead of a touchscreen.

FIGS. 22A to 22D include screen shots of example software in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 22A is an initial start screen after powering up the unit 1000,e.g., plugging in a receptacle and/or activating a battery-based powersupply, and settings have been loaded by a computer processor from adata storage device, e.g., any known computer data storage physically orwirelessly connected to the data storage computer allowing forinternet/web connectivity and communication. Once this screen appears,the button at the bottom may be pressed to move to the next screen,which is illustrated in FIG. 22B.

FIG. 22B is the control screen, which is the main screen for thesterilization unit 1000. In this example, it appears after the initialstart screen. This screen is utilized to control the sterilizationcycles of the sterilization unit 1000. From this screen, the user isable to select or deselect the panels (i.e., the first panel 1200,second panel 1300, third panel 1400, and/or fourth panel 1500 in theillustrated example) that will be needed for the sterilization process.The timer allows the user to choose the appropriate exposure time inseconds and the start button initiates the sterilization cycle. The usercan click on the appropriate button or buttons for the desired action,e.g., the examples described herein. The buttons of the main screencontrol in the illustrated example are:

(1811)—Left Extended Panel. This button corresponds to the third panel1400 of the sterilization unit 1000.

(1812)—Left Inner Panel. This button corresponds to the first panel 1200of the sterilization unit 1000.

(1813)—Right Inner Panel. This button corresponds to the second panel1300 of the sterilization unit 1000.

(1814)—Right Extended Panel. This button corresponds to the fourth panel1500 of the sterilization unit 1000.

(1815)—Extension Arm. This button corresponds to the cantilevered pivotmechanism 1700 of the sterilization unit 1000.

(1816)—Start Button. This button begins one or more selectedsterilization programs to perform a sterilization cycle.

(1817)—Timer Button. In this example, the time is entered in seconds andcorresponds to a desired sterilization time.

When a panel button is selected, a border around the button iconchanges, e.g., turns to green, to indicate that the panel has beenselected. Any one or more panels may be selected or deselected based onwhat panels are needed or not needed according to the positioning andspecific configuration of the device.

Referring to the screenshot of FIG. 22D, the timer button 1817 of thehuman-machine interface (HMI) launches a numeric keypad via which theoperator may enter a desired sterilization time for the certain type ofsterilization being performed. For example, if the requiredsterilization time is 60 seconds, the user would type in “60,”corresponding to 60 seconds of UV-C radiation emitted from the selectedpanels.

Referring to FIG. 22E, the illustrated screen may appear when the lefthinges 1120 a and/or 1120 b and/or right hinges 1120 c and/or 1120 d arenot locked. Further, locking systems in connection with guide mechanism1600 are monitored. In this regard, if the third or fourth panel 1300 or1400 is not distally extended and locked in its rotated positionrelative to respective first or second panel 1200 or 1300, then therespective third or fourth panel 1300 (or both if neither is extendedand locked) is not shown on the screen or is otherwise indicated as notbeing activated.

In this example, the screen is showing the operator that hinge locks forboth the first and second panels 1200 and 1300 are not engaged andtherefore two red indicators at the two outer most positions. Once theyboth are engaged, the screen will return to the normal Control Screen.

In some examples, the computer processor may present the user with amenu of predefined sterilization programs, which may or may not ask forparticular parameters from the user. These programs may automaticallydetermine, inter alia, the panels, UV-C light sources, and/orsterilization times to be utilized. In some examples, the sterilizationunit is fully or substantially automated, such that the unit 1000 itselfautomatically actuates (e.g., slides, rotates, locks, etc.) the panelsinto the orientations needed for a selected program. In some examples,the processor provides the user with instructions for manuallyconfiguring the panel orientation for a selected program. In someexamples, the sterilization unit 1000 includes sensors that verify thatthe panels are in the correct orientation for the particular program. Insome examples, the processor prevents the selected program fromproceeding until the panels are in the required orientation and, in someexamples, locked.

In some examples, the unit 1000 is self-reporting for parameters suchas, for example, UV-C light intensity, in order for the unit 1000, e.g.,via the control system, to determine if there are any problems with theoperating state of the unit 1000.

In some examples, the processor may adjust an electrical power appliedto one or more particular UV-C source based on age-based degradation ofthe output intensity of the source, e.g., a fluorescent bulb. This maybe, for example, in response to a smart sensors system to provideinternal feedback of the overall functionality and health of thesterilization unit.

The processor may also be able to send and receive signals, e.g.,wirelessly, to indicate that particular items or locations have beensterilized and/or that indicate items or locations that are in need ofsterilization.

In some examples, the processor adjusts light intensity and durationbased on a selected sterilization program or configuration.

In some examples, the control system is configured to identify specificareas and/or items based on identifiers such as, for example, RFID tags,bar codes, or any other suitable mechanism.

Although some example implementations described herein include fourpanels, it should be understood that other examples may include anysuitable number of panels, including a single panel. Referring to theschematic illustrations of FIGS. 23A to 23C, which are top views, otherexamples may include bendable panels and/or connectors (see FIGS. 23Aand 23C) and/or a plurality of very narrow panels (see FIG. 23B).

FIGS. 24A to 33A of other example implementations, in the form ofsterilization units 100 and 200. The sterilization units 1000, 100, and200 shown and described herein generally share all features in commonexcept to the extent indicated otherwise.

An “L-shaped” or central sterilization structure as discussed hereinmay, in some implementations, refer to a structure comprising twoappendages that extend from a center portion or vertex of the structure(i.e., the direct or indirect meeting point of the two appendages, orstructure at the intercept or vertex of the two appendages—e.g., acentral beam, a direct meeting point of the appendages, etc.). Forembodiments of indirect attachment the two appendages may be connectedto a center portion or vertex in any acceptable way. In someembodiments, appendages may be directly attached to support beams, whichmay be attached to the center portion or vertex, thereby indirectlyattaching the appendages to one another through the center portion orvertex structure. The central sterilization structure, may in someimplementations be configured such that the two appendages are capableof forming substantially a right angle (i.e., 90°±10°) with one another,whether attached directly or indirectly. While the central sterilizationstructure is operational in various conformations, some of which aredescribed herein, the central sterilization structure is intended to be,and is operational to sterilize a space, surface, or structure whenconfigured in an open configuration, e.g., at substantially right angleor at any other suitable angle, and when the faces of the panels of theinvention are vertically oriented (i.e., perpendicular to a floor).Although some implementations may be described as “L-shaped,” it shouldbe understood that example implementations of the present invention maytake many different shapes other than L-shaped units.

In some embodiments, the two appendages, e.g., panels, of the centralsterilization structure are capable of forming, e.g., an angle of90±45°, 40°, 35°, 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, or 5°, as well as many otherangles outside this range, as set forth herein.

In some embodiments, the central sterilization structure is a single,unitary structure, such that the two appendages represent a continuoussingle structure. The single structure may be rigid, such that theappendages are relatively non-movable in relation to one another, orflexible, such that the appendages are able to move in relation to oneanother.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a sterilization device or unit 100according to an example embodiment, and depicts an outer view of acentral sterilization structure. In various embodiments, the outer faceof the central sterilization structure is intended to be the point ofoperation, or the user interface for devices of the invention.

The sterilization device shown in FIG. 24A comprises a first panel 10and a second panel 12 that are hingedly attached to one another to forma central sterilization structure. More specifically, first panel 10 isindirectly hingedly attached to second panel 12 through central beam 8.Central beam 8 is connected to base 2. In the depicted embodiments,central beam 8 is essentially a hollow tube structure, to which supportbeams 6 are configured to connect. In particular, first panel 10 isconnected to support beams 6, positioned at the top and bottom of panel10, and second panel 12 is connected to support beams 6, positioned atthe top and bottom of panel 12. The support beams 6 connected to panels10 and 12 are connected to central beam 8, which thereby functions as apoint of attachment, or vertex structure, for panels 10 and 12.Accordingly, in the depicted embodiment, first panel 10 and second panel12 are attached to one another via central beam 8, even though thepanels do not necessarily directly touch central beam 8. Support beams 6also enhance the structure and stability of the depicted centralsterilization structure.

The first panel 10 has a first face (pictured) and a second face (notpictured), the first face forming a part of the outer face of thecentral sterilization structure, the second face forming a part of theinner face of the central sterilization structure. The second panel 12has a first face (pictured) and a second face (not pictured), the firstface forming a part of the outer face of the central sterilizationstructure, the second face forming a part of the inner face of thecentral sterilization structure. In the depicted embodiment, the outerportion of central beam 8 (as shown), also forms a part of the outerface of the central sterilization structure and acts as the pivotal axiswhich formulates the hingedly attached joint that enables pivotalmotion. The first face of the first panel 10, the depicted portion ofcentral beam 8, and the first face of the second panel 12 are the majorconstituents forming the outer face of the central sterilizationstructure of the device 100 of FIG. 24A.

In some embodiments, sterilization devices of the invention comprise oneor more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) windows, which allow a user tosee through a sterilization device of the invention so as to, e.g.,accurately position the device and the object(s) (e.g., space, surface,or structure) intended to be sterilized. In preferred embodiments, thewindows are UV-protecting windows, which do not permit penetration ofharmful UV radiation. Sterilization device 100 of FIG. 24A includes twoUV-protecting windows 26.

FIG. 24A depicts a sterilization device 100 having a control ormanagement mechanism 20 located on a base or central beam 8 on the outerface of the central sterilization structure. In the depicted device, themanagement mechanism 20 comprises, inter alia, a control panel foroperating one or more UV-C radiation sources, and a control screen.

In various embodiments, the sterilization device of the inventioncomprises one or more (for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) additional panelsattached (e.g., adjacent to and typically connected to in anyart-acceptable manner) to the central sterilization structure. In someembodiments, the one or more additional panels are fixedly attached tothe, e.g. L-shaped, central sterilization structure. In someembodiments, the one or more additional panels are moveably attached tothe central sterilization structure in any desired or art-acceptablemanner For example, in some embodiments, the one or more additionalpanels are each individually slidingly, translationally, hingedly,and/or rotationally attached to the central sterilization structure. Insome embodiments, one or more additional panels is fixedly attached tothe central sterilization structure and one or more additional panels ismoveably attached to the central sterilization structure. In someembodiments, there are two or more additional panels attached to thecentral sterilization structure. In some embodiments, the one or moreadditional panels are at least slidingly attached to the centralsterilization structure.

FIGS. 24B and 24C are perspective views of a sterilization device 200comprising the central sterilization structure of the device 100 shownin FIG. 24A, except the device 200 shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C comprisestwo additional panels 14 and 16 slidingly attached to the centralsterilization structure. The two additional panels 14 and 16 are shownin substantially retracted positions, where a majority of panels 10 and12 is eclipsed behind panels 14 and 16, respectively. Panels 14 and 16slide parallel adjacent to panels 10 and 12, respectively, of thecentral sterilization structure, such that the additional panels of thesterilization device 200 may be fully refracted, retracted to a certainextent, or extended fully or to any desired extend. Panels 14 and 16extend from the central sterilization structure by sliding outwardlyaway from central beam 8 by any acceptable means, for example, alongtracks 4, located on first panel 10 and second panel 12. In otherembodiments utilizing tracks to enable sliding of panels, the tracks maybe located in any other desirable position/location on the sterilizationdevice 200, for example, at the top and bottom of the first faces ofeach of the first panel 10 and the second panel 12.

The device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C includes four UV-protecting windows26.

The device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C comprises management mechanism 20,which, as in FIG. 24A, comprises, inter alia, a control panel foroperating one or more UV-C radiation sources, and a control screen. Themanagement mechanism 20 incorporates software that controlsself-sterilization mechanisms 52 in a self-sterilization process. Themanagement mechanism 20 also allows for controlling operation of(including e.g., intensities and exposure times) the UV-C radiationsources 40.

In some embodiments, panels of the sterilization device comprisecoupling mechanisms, which are configured to enable the attachment(e.g., connection, joining, etc.) of one panel to at least one otherpanel. In some embodiments of the invention, the sterilization device isoperable without utilizing the coupling mechanisms, whereas in otherembodiments, the coupling mechanisms are used during operation of thedevice. The coupling mechanisms may be any mechanism that can serve theintended purpose of enabling attachment. For example, the couplingmechanisms may be, e.g., magnetic, fasteners (e.g., hook and loopfasteners, for example, fabric, plastic, etc.), coupling hinges and pinsor other suitable counter coupling mechanism. In various embodiments,the coupling pin in the coupling column acts as a “ball and socket”(“pin and socket” as used in the depicted embodiment) connection withthe coupling hinge. While the pin and hinge are interlocked when formingvarious contained configurations, the pin socket connection alsoprovides some pivotal capabilities to the panels of the device of theinvention. In some embodiments, one or more additional panels attachedto the central sterilization structure comprise coupling mechanisms.

In the sterilization device 200 shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C, additionalpanels 14 and 16 comprise, as coupling mechanisms, coupling hinges 30,coupling pins 32 (not pictured in FIGS. 24B and 24C; see, e.g., FIG.26), coupling column 34, and coupling control 36. In the sterilizationdevice 200, additional panel 14 has two coupling hinges 30, althoughother embodiments may have no coupling hinges, only one coupling hinge,or more than two coupling hinges. The coupling hinges 30 are configuredto align with, and be able to unite with coupling pins (not shown) oncoupling column 34 on additional panel 16, such that additional panels14 and 16 may be attached, when desired. Coupling (attachment of panels)occurs via coupling control 36. In various embodiments, where present,the coupling control 36 can be initiated electronically, ormechanically. In the mechanical version of the depicted embodiment, thecoupling control 36 functions as a lever arm and when pressed (e.g., bya user's foot) it retracts the coupling pins. Upon the release of thecontrol lever the pins engage with the coupling hinge and form thejunction. In the case of an electrical control, this process can beinitiated by the management mechanism and instead of having a mechanicaljunction it could be substituted for, e.g., a magnetic junction.

In various embodiments, the sterilization device is portable (e.g.,movable, transportable). In some embodiments, the device is easilyportable. For example, in some embodiments, the device is configured tobe easily moved from one location to another. The device 200, as shown,e.g., in FIG. 24C, comprises wheels or casters 24, which make the deviceeasily portable from one location to another. By virtue of wheels 24,device 200 is easily portable even while it remains configured in thevertical position depicted (the configuration in which the device isintended to be able to operate). This is an advantage over various priorart devices, which are not portable when configured in their intendedoperational configuration.

In certain embodiments, the sterilization device comprises one or morepoints of contact. As used herein, a “point of contact” is a designatedarea or mechanism on the sterilization device intended to represent alocation on the device that a user would make contact with to maneuverthe device. A common, non-limiting example of a point of contact is ahandle. In some embodiments, at least one point of contact is located onthe outer face of the central sterilization structure of a deviceaccording to the invention.

In certain embodiments, the sterilization device of the inventioncomprises one or more self-sterilization mechanisms. As used herein, a“self-sterilization mechanism” is a mechanism of the device of theinvention that functions to sterilize a portion of the device that isnot generally otherwise subjected to UV-C radiation from the UV-Cradiation sources that are configured to sterilize a space, surface, orstructure. In some embodiments, one or more self-sterilizationmechanisms of the invention are located on the outer face of a centralsterilization structure. In various embodiments, self-sterilizationmechanisms include chambers which, in some embodiments, comprise one ormore points of contact. The chamber self-sterilization mechanisms may beconfigured to sterilization the one or more points of contact.

As shown in FIG. 24C, device 200 includes points of contact 50, whichare handles configured to allow a user to maneuver the device 200. Inthe device 200, points of contact 50 and management mechanism 20 arelocated in self-sterilization mechanisms 52, which are chambersconfigured to self-sterilize their contents (i.e., management mechanism20 and points of contact 50 in device 200). The self-sterilizationmechanisms 52 can sterilize using any desired or art-accepted means, forexample, using germicidal sprays or UV-C radiation. In variousembodiments, the self-sterilization mechanisms 52 are configured toshield a user during the period of self-sterilization. For example, insome embodiments, self-sterilization mechanisms 52 are chambers havingcylindrical portions that are configured to cover the interior of thechamber and its contents, thereby containing the chamber and separatingthe chamber and its contents from a user, and sterilization (e.g., UVirradiation) is performed within the contained chamber. In variousembodiments, operation of self-sterilization mechanisms 52 is controlledby management mechanism 20. In some embodiments, the self-sterilizationmechanism is used between each sterilization use/cycle of a device ofthe invention. Where present, self-sterilization mechanisms can serve toprevent the device of the invention from becoming a carrier ofpathogens. In such embodiments, the self-sterilization mechanisms provean advantage over numerous prior art methods and devices by minimizingand/or preventing cross-contamination between the environment and ahealthcare worker or patient. The self-sterilization mechanism(s) reducethe risk of the device of the invention itself becoming anothertransferring body for pathogens during and after a sterilization processand therefore the inventive device is a first of its kind to haveembodiments that incorporate a self-sterilization mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a view of the outer face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device 200 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. In particular, FIG. 25 depicts the device 200 ofFIGS. 24B and 24C, where the two additional panels 14 and 16 attached tothe central sterilization structure are shown in extended positions.While both of additional panels 14 and 16 are shown in extendedpositions in FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the device of the inventionis configured such that neither (see, e.g., FIG. 24B) or only one of theadditional panels is in an extended position. Extending the panels ofthe device of the invention can be helpful, for example, whensterilizing a larger object or portion thereof (e.g., a larger space,surface, or structure).

FIG. 26 is a view of the inner face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device 200 according to an exampleembodiment. In particular, FIG. 26 depicts the device 200 of FIGS. 24B,24C, where the two additional panels 14 and 16 attached to the centralsterilization structure are shown in substantially retracted positions.The inner face of the central sterilization structure comprises UV-Cradiation sources 40. As shown, the inner face of the centralsterilization structure comprises the second face of first panel 10, thesecond face of second panel 12, and the depicted portion of central beam8. The second face of first panel 10 has four groupings of UV-Cradiation sources, with three UV-C radiation sources 40 in each group,for a total of 12 UV-C radiation sources on the second face of firstpanel 10. The second face of second panel 12 has four groupings of UV-Cradiation sources, with three UV-C radiation sources 40 in each group,for a total of 12 UV-C radiation sources on the second face of secondpanel 12. Accordingly, the inner face of the depicted centralsterilization structure has 24 UV-C radiation sources.

FIG. 26 illustrates the inner portion of coupling column 34, whichcomprises two coupling pins 32, located at the top and bottom of column34. Coupling pins 32 are configured such that they are capable ofmeeting and attaching with coupling hinges 30, thereby permitting thesterilization device 200 to be configured in a contained configuration(see, e.g., FIGS. 31 and 32).

In some embodiments, sterilization devices according to the presentinvention comprise one or more angular mechanisms, which are structuresconfigured to provide further angular positioning for optimalsterilization. The angular mechanisms of embodiments of the inventionmay be any structure that functions to assist in improving or optimizingthe angle of UV-C radiation emitted from the device. In someembodiments, the angular mechanisms are reflective structures. In someembodiments, the angular mechanisms are shaped in any manner to angleUV-C radiation as desire. For example, in some embodiments, the angularmechanisms are convex structures, e.g., a cylinder of a portion thereof.In some embodiments, the angular mechanisms are configured to bestationary, whereas in some embodiments, the angular mechanisms areconfigured to be movable in any desired manner For example, in someembodiments, the angular mechanisms extend out from the sterilizationdevice, and can be manipulated into a plurality of different positions.In some embodiments, the angular mechanisms are, e.g., robotic arms. Invarious embodiments, the robotic arms allow for the distribution of UV-Clight above, below, right, left, and the opposite sides of a structurebeing sterilized. For example, for sterilizing, e.g., a hospital bed, insome embodiments, the bed may be positioned long-ways left-right, e.g.,close to a wall, but not touching the wall within a room. The device ofthe invention could then be positioned between a user and the bed,thereby creating a barrier and creating the sterilization field. Oncepositioned as desired, the robotic arm(s) could extend outwards towardthe hospital bed—some arms could be, e.g., positioned above and belowand others positioned right & left and some or all of the arms couldextend beyond the width of the bed so as to partially curve around theonly side of the hospital bed not exposed to the UV-C sources, therebyenhancing the surface area of the bed that would be subject to UV-Cexposure.

The sterilization device 200 depicted in FIG. 26 comprises four angularmechanisms 22, which, in the depicted device 200, are robotic arms.

FIG. 27 is a view of the inner face of the central sterilizationstructure of a sterilization device 200 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. Two additional panels 14 and 16 are attachedthereto, shown in extended positions. In particular, FIG. 27 depicts aninner view of the device 200 for which an outer view is shown in FIG.25. As shown, in addition to the UV-C radiation sources 40 on panels 10and 12, additional panels 14 and 16 also have UV-C radiation sources 40disposed thereon, on the inner, second faces of the panels. While device200 has UV-C radiation sources on each of the panels of the device,other embodiments of the invention have UV-C radiation sources on fewerthan all of the panels of the device (e.g., on one, two, or threepanels). The panels of the invention may comprise any desirablematerial(s). The surfaces of the second, inner faces (depicted) ofpanels 10, 12, 14, and 16 of device 200 comprise a reflective materialthat reflects UV-C radiation, such as polished aluminum. However, incertain embodiments, the material bordering the edges of one or moresecond, inner faces of panels used in the invention comprises a materialthat absorbs UV-C radiation for example pressed zinc oxide, black paint,or china clay. In such embodiments, UV-C splash at and around the edgesof the device is reduced and/or prevented. In various embodiments,devices of the invention comprises one or more splash guard(s) 28 thatare configured to reduce and/or prevent exposure of users to UV-Cradiation around the perimeters of the panels. Coupling column 34 mayalso function to reduce and/or prevent user exposure to UV-C radiation.

In various preferred embodiments, the sterilization device of thepresent invention is configured such that users are shielded from,and/or are not exposed to harmful UV-C radiation.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are views of left and right profiles, respectively, ofan example embodiment. In particular, FIGS. 28A and 28B are profileviews of the device 200 shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C.

FIGS. 29A-D depict top views of example embodiments in differentconfigurations. In particular, FIGS. 29A-D depict various top views ofdifferent rotational configurations of the device 200 shown in FIGS. 24Band 24C. FIG. 29A shows the device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C where firstpanel 10 (not pictured) and second panel 12 (not pictured) are foldedinto one another, as indicated by the positioning of the depictedsupport beams 6. FIG. 29B shows the device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C in aconfiguration where panels 10 and 12 (not pictured) are configured in a90° angle. FIG. 29C shows the device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C in aconfiguration where panels 10 and 12 (not pictured) are configured in a270° angle. FIG. 29D shows the device 200 of FIGS. 24B and 24C in aconfiguration where panels 10 and 12 (not pictured) are configured in a180° angle.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are top views of a device 200 according to an exampleembodiment, and depict rotational capabilities of the device. FIGS. 30Aand 30B depict the device 200 shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C, withadditional panels 14 and 16 extended, as in FIGS. 25 and 27. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 30A, additional panels 14 and 16 slide outwardalong, and extend from first panel 10 and second panel 12 along thedirection of the arrows. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30B, additionalpanels 14 and 16 are slidingly attached to panels 10 and 12, as in theFIG. 30A embodiment. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 30B, additionalpanels 14 and 16, upon reaching their fully-extended position, areconfigured to be able to pivot about the terminal point of attachment topanels 10 and 12, respectively.

FIG. 31 is a view of a device 200 according to an embodiment in acontained configuration. In particular, FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment ofthe device 200 of FIG. 25, where additional panels 14 and 16 are inextended positions. The coupling hinges 30 (not shown) on the inner faceof panel 14 align with, and are attached to coupling pins 32 (not shown)on coupling column 34 on additional panel 16, thereby attaching panels14 and 16 to one another, such that device 200 is configured in acontained configuration.

FIG. 32 is a top view of a device 300 according to an embodiment in acontained configuration, with a hospital bed depicted therein. Thedevice 300 comprises two devices 200 as shown in FIG. 25, where thepanels, coupling pins, and coupling hinges of one of the devices of FIG.25 are labeled as described hereinabove, and where the panels, couplingpins, and coupling hinges of the second device of FIG. 25 are labeled as10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 30′, and 32′. As depicted, the two devices 200 areattached via coupling pins 32 and coupling hinges 30′ of the first andsecond devices 200 respectively, and via coupling pins 32′ and couplinghinges 30 of the second and first devices 200 respectively (where onlyone pin and hinge are shown per device 200).

FIG. 33 depicts a device 400 according to an example implementation. Thedevice 400 comprises three devices 200 as shown in FIG. 25, where thethree devices are attached to each other, and are shown in a linearconfiguration.

In another aspect, example implementations provide or relate to a methodof sterilizing a space, surface, or structure. The method may includeexposing the space, surface, or structure to ultraviolet (UV) radiationemitted from the one or more UV-C radiation sources of a deviceaccording to the present invention.

In various embodiments, devices and methods of the present inventionsterilize or are configured to sterilize one or spaces, one or moresurfaces, and/or one or more structures (for example, kill at least 85%,or at least 88% or at least 90% or at least 91%, or at least 92% or atleast 93% or at least 94% or at least 95% or at least 96% or at least97% or at least 98% or at least 99% or at least 99.2% or at least 99.5%or at least 99.9% of pathogens, such as viruses and/or bacteria and/orother pathogens on a structure) by irradiating the target or targetswith radiation comprising UV-C radiation. In some embodiments,three-dimensional UV-C irradiation of a target or targets, that is,irradiation from 2 or more directions, for instance, 2 or moreorthogonal directions is provided.

Some implementations provide or relate to a method of sterilizing aspace, surface, or structure by positioning the device of the inventionwithin about 10 feet or fewer (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10ft) from the space, surface, or structure, and irradiating the space,surface, or structure with UV-C radiation.

The following is a partial list of pathogens killed by exampleembodiments of the present invention emitting UV-C radiation, and someof the diseases they cause: Bacteriophage (E. Coli), HIV, InfectiousHepatitis, Influenza (Flu), Poliovirus-Poliomyelitis, Tobacco mosaic,Rotovirus, S Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Bacillus magateriumsp.(Spores), Bacillus magaterium sp. (Veg), Bacillus paratyphusus,Bacillus subtilus spores, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium tetani(Tetanus/Lockjaw), Clostridium difficile, Corynebacterium diphtheriae(Diphtheria), Eberthella typosa, Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), LeptospiraCanicoal-infections (Jaundice), Methicillin-resistant StaphylococcusAureus (MRSA) Micrococcus candidus, Micrococcus spheroids, Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (Tuberculosis), Neisseria catarrhalis, Phtomomnasaeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonellaparatyphi (Enteic Fever), Salmonella typhosa (Typhoid Fever), Salmonellatyphimurium, Sarcina lutea, Serratia marcescens, Shigella dysenteriae(Dysentery), Shigella flexneri—(Dysentery), Shigella paradysenteriae,Spirillum rubrum, Staphylococcus Albus (Staph), Staphylococcus Aureus(Staph), Streptococcus hemolyticus, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcusviridians, Vibrio comma—(Cholera), and mold spores includingAspergillius Flavis, Aspergillius glaucus, Aspergillius niger, Mucorracemosus A, Mucor racemosus B, Oospora lactis, Penicillium expansum,Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium digitatum, and Rhisophus nigricans.The effectiveness of aspects of this invention to kill other pathogenswill be apparent to those of skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 34, an implementation of a network environment 3400 foruse in controlling and operating one or more sterilization units isshown and described. Any of the components of this environment may beintegrated into one or more sterilization units themselves, or providedas one or more entities separate from the sterilization unit or units.In brief overview, referring now to FIG. 34, a block diagram of anexemplary cloud computing environment 3400 is shown and described. Thecloud computing environment 3400 may include one or more resourceproviders 3402 a, 3402 b, 3402 c (collectively, 3402). Each resourceprovider 3402 may include computing resources. In some implementations,computing resources may include any hardware and/or software used toprocess data. For example, computing resources may include hardwareand/or software capable of executing algorithms, computer programs,and/or computer applications. In some implementations, exemplarycomputing resources may include application servers and/or databaseswith storage and retrieval capabilities. Each resource provider 3402 maybe connected to any other resource provider 3402 in the cloud computingenvironment 3400. In some implementations, the resource providers 3402may be connected over a computer network 3408. Each resource provider3402 may be connected to one or more computing device 3404 a, 3404 b,3404 c (collectively, 3404), over the computer network 3408.

The cloud computing environment 3400 may include a resource manager3406. The resource manager 3406 may be connected to the resourceproviders 3402 and the computing devices 3404 over the computer network3408. In some implementations, the resource manager 3406 may facilitatethe provision of computing resources by one or more resource providers3402 to one or more computing devices 3404. The resource manager 3406may receive a request for a computing resource from a particularcomputing device 3404. The resource manager 3406 may identify one ormore resource providers 3402 capable of providing the computing resourcerequested by the computing device 3404. The resource manager 3406 mayselect a resource provider 3402 to provide the computing resource. Theresource manager 3406 may facilitate a connection between the resourceprovider 3402 and a particular computing device 3404. In someimplementations, the resource manager 3406 may establish a connectionbetween a particular resource provider 3402 and a particular computingdevice 3404. In some implementations, the resource manager 3406 mayredirect a particular computing device 3404 to a particular resourceprovider 3402 with the requested computing resource.

FIG. 35 shows an example of a computing device 3500 and a mobilecomputing device 3550 that can be used to implement the techniquesdescribed in this disclosure. The computing device 3500 is intended torepresent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops,workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers,mainframes, and other appropriate computers. The mobile computing device3550 is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such aspersonal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart-phones, andother similar computing devices. The components shown here, theirconnections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to beexamples only, and are not meant to be limiting. The computing devicesof FIG. 35 may be, for example, part of the control system of thesterilization units described herein.

The computing device 3500 includes a processor 3502, a memory 3504, astorage device 3506, a high-speed interface 3508 connecting to thememory 3504 and multiple high speed expansion ports 3510, and alow-speed interface 3512 connecting to a low-speed expansion port 3514and the storage device 3506. Each of the processor 3502, the memory3504, the storage device 3506, the high-speed interface 3508, thehigh-speed expansion ports 3510, and the low-speed interface 3512, areinterconnected using various busses, and may be mounted on a commonmotherboard or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 3502 canprocess instructions for execution within the computing device 3500,including instructions stored in the memory 3504 or on the storagedevice 3506 to display graphical information for a GUI on an externalinput/output device, such as a display 3516 coupled to the high-speedinterface 3508. In other implementations, multiple processors and/ormultiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiple memoriesand types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices may be connected,with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g.,as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processorsystem).

The memory 3504 stores information within the computing device 3500. Insome implementations, the memory 3504 is a volatile memory unit orunits. In some implementations, the memory 3504 is a non-volatile memoryunit or units. The memory 3504 may also be another form ofcomputer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device 3506 is capable of providing mass storage for thecomputing device 3500. In some implementations, the storage device 3506may be or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy diskdevice, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, aflash memory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array ofdevices, including devices in a storage area network or otherconfigurations. Instructions can be stored in an information carrier.The instructions, when executed by one or more processing devices (forexample, processor 3502), perform one or more methods, such as any ofthe methods described herein. The instructions can also be stored by oneor more storage devices such as computer- or machine-readable mediums(for example, the memory 3504, the storage device 3506, or memory on theprocessor 3502).

The high-speed interface 3508 manages bandwidth-intensive operations forthe computing device 3500, while the low-speed interface 3512 manageslower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions is anexample only. In some implementations, the high-speed interface 3508 iscoupled to the memory 3504, the display 3516 (e.g., through a graphicsprocessor or accelerator), and to the high-speed expansion ports 3510,which may accept various expansion cards (not shown). In theimplementation, the low-speed interface 3512 is coupled to the storagedevice 3506 and the low-speed expansion port 3514. The low-speedexpansion port 3514, which may include various communication ports(e.g., USB, Bluetooth®, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) may be coupled toone or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device,a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g.,through a network adapter.

The computing device 3500 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as astandard server 3520, or multiple times in a group of such servers. Inaddition, it may be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptopcomputer 3522. It may also be implemented as part of a rack serversystem 3524. Alternatively, components from the computing device 3500may be combined with other components in a mobile device (not shown),such as a mobile computing device 3550. Each of such devices may containone or more of the computing device 3500 and the mobile computing device3550, and an entire system may be made up of multiple computing devicescommunicating with each other.

The mobile computing device 3550 includes a processor 3552, a memory3564, an input/output device such as a display 3554, a communicationinterface 3566, and a transceiver 3568, among other components. Themobile computing device 3550 may also be provided with a storage device,such as a micro-drive or other device, to provide additional storage.Each of the processor 3552, the memory 3564, the display 3554, thecommunication interface 3566, and the transceiver 3568, areinterconnected using various buses, and several of the components may bemounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor 3552 can execute instructions within the mobile computingdevice 3550, including instructions stored in the memory 3564. Theprocessor 3552 may be implemented as a chipset of chips that includeseparate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 3552may provide, for example, for coordination of the other components ofthe mobile computing device 3550, such as control of user interfaces,applications run by the mobile computing device 3550, and wirelesscommunication by the mobile computing device 3550.

The processor 3552 may communicate with a user through a controlinterface 3558 and a display interface 3556 coupled to the display 3554.The display 3554 may be, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor LiquidCrystal Display) display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)display, or other appropriate display technology. The display interface3556 may comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display 3554 topresent graphical and other information to a user. The control interface3558 may receive commands from a user and convert them for submission tothe processor 3552. In addition, an external interface 3562 may providecommunication with the processor 3552, so as to enable near areacommunication of the mobile computing device 3550 with other devices.The external interface 3562 may provide, for example, for wiredcommunication in some implementations, or for wireless communication inother implementations, and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The memory 3564 stores information within the mobile computing device3550. The memory 3564 can be implemented as one or more of acomputer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or anon-volatile memory unit or units. An expansion memory 3574 may also beprovided and connected to the mobile computing device 3550 through anexpansion interface 3572, which may include, for example, a SIMM (SingleIn Line Memory Module) card interface. The expansion memory 3574 mayprovide extra storage space for the mobile computing device 3550, or mayalso store applications or other information for the mobile computingdevice 3550. Specifically, the expansion memory 3574 may includeinstructions to carry out or supplement the processes described above,and may include secure information also. Thus, for example, theexpansion memory 3574 may be provided as a security module for themobile computing device 3550, and may be programmed with instructionsthat permit secure use of the mobile computing device 3550. In addition,secure applications may be provided via the SIMM cards, along withadditional information, such as placing identifying information on theSIMM card in a non-hackable manner

The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory(non-volatile random access memory), as discussed below. In someimplementations, instructions are stored in an information carrier and,when executed by one or more processing devices (for example, processor3552), perform one or more methods, such as those described above. Theinstructions can also be stored by one or more storage devices, such asone or more computer- or machine-readable mediums (for example, thememory 3564, the expansion memory 3574, or memory on the processor3552). In some implementations, the instructions can be received in apropagated signal, for example, over the transceiver 3568 or theexternal interface 3562.

The mobile computing device 3550 may communicate wirelessly through thecommunication interface 3566, which may include digital signalprocessing circuitry where necessary. The communication interface 3566may provide for communications under various modes or protocols, such asGSM voice calls (Global System for Mobile communications), SMS (ShortMessage Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), or MMS messaging(Multimedia Messaging Service), CDMA (code division multiple access),TDMA (time division multiple access), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular),WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, or GPRS(General Packet Radio Service), among others. Such communication mayoccur, for example, through the transceiver 3568 using aradio-frequency. In addition, short-range communication may occur, suchas using a Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi™, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 3570 mayprovide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data to themobile computing device 3550, which may be used as appropriate byapplications running on the mobile computing device 3550.

The mobile computing device 3550 may also communicate audibly using anaudio codec 3560, which may receive spoken information from a user andconvert it to usable digital information. The audio codec 3560 maylikewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through a speaker,e.g., in a handset of the mobile computing device 3550. Such sound mayinclude sound from voice telephone calls, may include recorded sound(e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and may also include soundgenerated by applications operating on the mobile computing device 3550.

The mobile computing device 3550 may be implemented in a number ofdifferent forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may beimplemented as a cellular telephone 3580. It may also be implemented aspart of a smart-phone 3582, personal digital assistant, or other similarmobile device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms machine-readable medium andcomputer-readable medium refer to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory,Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructionsand/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readablemedium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term machine-readable signal refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., acommunication network). Examples of communication networks include alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

In view of the structure, functions and apparatus of the systems andmethods described here, in some implementations, a system and method foruse in controlling and operating one or more sterilization units areprovided. Having described certain implementations of methods andapparatus for use in controlling and operating one or more sterilizationunits, it will now become apparent to one of skill in the art that otherimplementations incorporating the concepts of the disclosure may beused. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to certainimplementations, but rather should be limited only by the spirit andscope of the following claims.

Throughout the description, where apparatus and systems are described ashaving, including, or comprising specific components, or where processesand methods are described as having, including, or comprising specificsteps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are apparatus, andsystems of the disclosed technology that consist essentially of, orconsist of, the recited components, and that there are processes andmethods according to the disclosed technology that consist essentiallyof, or consist of, the recited processing steps.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performingcertain action is immaterial so long as the disclosed technology remainsoperable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conductedsimultaneously.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (andany form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (andany form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any formof include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and anyform contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-endedlinking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has”,“includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses thoseone or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing onlythose one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or anelement of a device that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains”one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, adevice or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured inat least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are notlisted.

Where one or more ranges are referred to throughout this specification,each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presentinginformation, where the range is understood to encompass each discretepoint within the range as if the same were fully set forth herein.

While several aspects and embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed and depicted herein, alternative aspects and embodiments maybe affected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the sameobjectives. Accordingly, this disclosure and the appended claims areintended to cover all such further and alternative aspects andembodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.Moreover, the features of the particular examples and embodimentsdescribed herein may be used in any combination. The present inventiontherefore includes variations from the various examples and embodimentsdescribed herein, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art.

EXAMPLE 1 Effect of Multivector UV Energy on Eradication of MedicallyImportant Bacteria and Fungi

This Example shows, among other things, how embodiments of the inventionmay be used in a clinically relevant manner to eradicate bacteria and/orfungi that are of significant medical concern.

Study Design

In this Example, isolates of resistant bacterial pathogens and ofpathogenic fungi were exposed to UV energy for various amounts of time(in seconds) and at different distances from the UV sources in thesterilization unit in a given experiment according to the followingdesign.

Referring to FIG. 36, fields with text “UV”: cumulatively make up asterilization unit configured in accordance with the implementation ofthe present invention shown in FIG. 10, and indicate the approximatelocation of the UV sources comprising a portion of the sterilizationunit; fields marked “P1” to “P6”: cumulatively made up a contaminatedfield with quantitative culture plates of bacteria or fungi, with eachof the cells marked P1-P6 representing a section on the contaminatedfield. Preparation of the culture plates is described below. Eachsection P1-P6 contained two culture plates exposed to UV energy for aspecific period of time. In this Example, the time points were 5seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, or180 seconds.

The number of colonies growing on each plate were counted and plotted asa function of time of (1) UV exposure, (2) distance from the UV energyelement, (3) estimated energy of exposure, and (4) time-energy product.UV intensity ranges for a single second in time for the unit in thisExample ranged from 1,000-2,500 microWatt/cm² using this value with theproduct of time in seconds, values of approximately 26,000microWatts/cm² * seconds are reached. Without wishing to be held to aparticular theory, it is likely that these levels may be sufficient toachieve killing of extremely resistant organisms, for example, Anthraxspores.

Organisms

In this Example, each section P1-P6 contained 3 isolates each of thefollowing pathogens: methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), ESBL Escherichia coli,carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC), multidrug-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, C. albicans, C.glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusariumsolani, and Scedosporium apiospermum.

Preparation of Inoculum

The inoculum for the quantitative culture assay was prepared by growingthe isolate for 24 hours at 37° C. on Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA),inoculating the samples of 3 colonies into a starter broth of two 50 mlErlenmeyer flasks of RPMI broth and incubating the broth for 2 hours ina gyratory water bath at 37° C. One hundred microliters (0.1 ml) of thissuspension was transferred into 50 ml of fresh RPMI broth in each of two250-ml Erlenmeyer flasks. These flasks were incubated overnight at 37°C. for 16 hours in a gyratory water bath in order to generatelogarithmic-phase growth. The suspension was then centrifuged, thepellet washed with normal saline, the concentration adjusted with ahemacytometer, and a serial dilution performed to obtain a suspension of3,000-2,000 CFU/ml. One hundred microliters (0.1 ml) was then inoculatedand spread onto MHA plates with 5% sheep blood for bacteria and potatodextrose plates for fungi.

The plates were then labeled, placed in the UV energy field, exposed toUV energy for one of the aforementioned time periods, and then incubatedat 37° C. for 18 hours. The number of colonies on a given plated werethen counted and recorded as shown in Table 1.

Statistical Analysis

All experiments were run in triplicate for a given species. Values areexpressed as means ±SEMs.All groups exposed to UV energy were comparedagainst the unexposed control group by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Atwo-tailed P value of <0.05, which has already been adjusted formultiple comparisons by Bonferroni's method, is considered to bestatistically significant.

Values are expressed as Mean±SEM (Standard error of the mean) of LOG(Cfu/ml) from six different locations of the grid at specific times ofexposure to UV energy. Referring to Table 1, below, shaded cellsrepresent time of exposure at which organism is completely cleared fromthe plates.

TABLE 1 Effect of multivector UV energy on eradication of medicallyimportant bacteria and fungi. Time 0 (no Time 5 Time 15 Time 30 Time 60Time 90 Time 120 Time 180 Organisms exposure) sec sec sec sec sec secsec Methicillin-resistant 8.2 ± 1.4 × 10³ 1.9 ± 0.4 × 10³ 0 0 0 0 0 0Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Vancomycin-resistant 1.8 ± 0.1 × 10³ 0.8 ±0.1 × 10³ 0.1 ± 0.02 × 10³ 0 0 0 0 0 Enterococcus faecium (VRE) ESBLEscherichia coli 1.8 ± 0.4 × 10⁴ 1.0 ± 0.2 × 10³ 10 ± 6 0 0 0 0 0Carbapenemase- 7.2 ± 1.1 × 10³ 2.1 ± 0.4 × 10³ 28 ± 12 4 ± 2 0 0 0 0resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) Multidrug-resistant 1.5 ± 0.07 ×10³ 0.4 ± 0.1 × 10³ 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Acinetobacter 4.2± 0.4 × 10³ 1.9 ± 0.2 × 10³ 38 ± 10 10 ± 3 0 0 0 0 baumannii C. albicans3.0 ± 0.2 × 10³ 2.8 ± 0.2 × 10³ 0.7 ± 0.1 × 10³ 32 ± 13 0 0 0 0 C.glabrata 2.2 ± 0.2 × 10³ 0.4 ± 0.07 × 10³ 10 ± 2 0 0 0 0 0 C.parapsilosis 2.3 ± 0.3 × 10³ 0.3 ± 0.05 × 10³ 11 ± 2 0 0 0 0 0 C. krusei1.9 ± 0.06 × 10³ 0.5 ± 0.1 × 10³ 37 ± 15 0 0 0 0 0 Aspergillus fumigatus2.7 ± 0.1 × 10³ 2.7 ± 0.1 × 10³ 2.2 ± 0.1 × 10³ 1.2 ± 0.1 × 10³ 0.1 ±0.03 × 10³ 10 ± 2 0 0 Fusarium solani 1.7 ± 0.1 × 10³ 1.1 ± 0.2 × 10³0.3 ± 0.1 × 10³ 0 0 0 0 0 Scedosporium 1.8 ± 0.1 × 10³ 0.3 ± 0.05 × 10³12 ± 5 0 0 0 0 0 apiospermum

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of disinfecting a target zone having aperimeter, said method comprising: providing a plurality of UV lightemitting sources disposed on different positions on a UV light emittingdevice; disposing the plurality of sources along at least a portion ofthe perimeter of the target zone; illuminating the target zone from aplurality of directions with UV light emitted from at least some of theplurality of emitting sources; converging at least some of the UV lightin the target zone; controlling the convergence of UV light by focusingUV light from the plurality of directions to achieve a targetedamplification of converged multivector UV light; and disinfecting thetarget zone with the targeted amplification of converged multivector UVlight.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the targeted amplification ofconverged multivector UV light originates from sources disposed in aplurality of different planes.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thetargeted amplification of converged multivector UV light forms amplifiedUV light with-an increased intensity relative to an intensity of UVlight emitted from a single source that is an equivalent distance awayfrom the target zone.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV lightemitted from the at least some of the plurality of emitting sources forma grid of overlapping UV light throughout the target zone.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the targeted amplification of converged multivectorUV light comprises multivector UV-energy originating from the sources.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the target zone has a first regionadjacent the plurality of sources and a second region further away fromthe plurality of sources than the first region.
 7. The method of claim6, wherein the targeted amplification of converged multivector UV lightin the second region has an equivalent intensity as an intensity of UVlight in the first region.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein thetargeted amplification of converged multivector UV light in the secondregion has a greater intensity than an intensity of UV light in thefirst region.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV emitting devicecomprises a plurality of panel structures hingedly coupled together andwherein converging the UV light comprises pivoting a first of theplurality of panel structures relative to at least a second plurality ofpanel structures.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV emittingsources comprise at least sources that are disposed in planes transverseto one another.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the UV light fromthe at least two sources converge to provide targeted amplification ofconverged multivector UV light across the target zone.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein illuminating the target zone comprises disinfecting acoverage area of UV light in the target zone that is increased relativeto disinfecting a coverage area provided by a system that illuminatesthe target zone with light from a single source.
 13. The method of claim1, wherein illuminating the target zone comprises providing an intensityof the UV light in the target zone that is increased relative to anintensity of light provided by a system that illuminates the target zonewith light from only a single source.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereindisposing the sources along at least a portion of the perimeter of thetarget zone comprises disposing the sources along a plurality of sidesof the target zone.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdisposing at least one UV light emitting source at an interior of thetarget zone.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the target zonecomprises at least a portion of a room.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein the UV-light is UV-C light.
 18. The method of claim 1, whereinthe device is selectably configurable between a plurality of differentgeometries, wherein the housing comprises a vertically disposed centralbase structure.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the base structureis tubular.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling theconvergence of UV light comprises selectively controlling the number orintensity of the at least some of the plurality of emitting sources. 21.The method of claim 1, wherein the targeted amplification comprises atargeted increased effective intensity.
 22. The method of claim 1,wherein the system further comprises an electronic control systemincluding at least one computer processor configured to executecomputer-readable instructions to perform at least one UV-C illuminationoperation.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one computerprocessor is configured to selectively control the plurality of UV-Clight emitting sources dependent upon which of the plurality of shapesthe device is configured to have and the target amplification ofconverged multivector UV light in the target zone.
 24. The method ofclaim 23 further comprising selecting the target amplification ofconverged multivector UV light in the target area and controlling thepower of at least one of the plurality of UV-C light emitting sources toachieve the target amplification.
 25. The method of claim 22, whereinthe at least one computer processor is configured to power on a subsetof the plurality of UV-C light emitting sources while one or more of theplurality of UV-C light emitting sources is powered off.
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein the at least one computer processor is configuredto selectively control an intensity or a duration of a subset of theplurality of UV-C light emitting sources while one or more of theplurality of UV-C light emitting sources is powered on or off.
 27. Asystem for disinfecting a target zone having a perimeter, said systemcomprising: a plurality of UV light emitting sources disposed on ahousing, a first portion of the plurality of UV light emitting sourceslocated on a first panel of the housing and a second portion of theplurality of UV light emitting sources located on a second panel of thehousing substantially transverse to the first panel such that theplurality of sources are configured to be disposed along at least aportion of a perimeter of the target zone, and at least some of theplurality of sources are configured to illuminate the target zone withUV light from a plurality of directions, wherein at least some of thesources are disposed to provide enhanced UV light across the entiretarget area, is controlled to achieve a target amplification ofconverged multivector UV light, and disinfects the target zone with thetargeted amplification of converged multivector UV light.
 28. The systemof claim 27, wherein the targeted amplification of converged multivectorUV light originates from sources disposed in a plurality of differentplanes.
 29. The system of claim 27, wherein the targeted amplificationof converged multivector UV light forms amplified UV light with anincreased intensity relative to an intensity of light emitted from asingle source that is an equivalent distance away from the target zone.30. The system of claim 27, wherein the UV light emitted from the atleast some of the plurality of emitting sources form a grid ofoverlapping UV light throughout the target zone.
 31. The system of claim27, wherein the targeted amplification of converged multivector UV lightcomprises multivector UV-energy originating from the sources.
 32. Thesystem of claim 27, wherein the target zone has a first region adjacentthe plurality of sources and a second region further away from theplurality of sources than the first region.
 33. The system of claim 32,wherein the targeted amplification of converged multivector UV light inthe second region has an equivalent intensity as an intensity of UVlight in the first region.
 34. The system of claim 32, wherein convergedmultivector UV light in the second region has a greater intensity thanan intensity of UV light in the first region.
 35. The system of claim32, wherein the UV emitting device comprises a plurality of panelstructures hingedly coupled together and wherein converging the UV lightcomprises pivoting a first of the plurality of panel structures relativeto at least a second plurality of panel structures.
 36. The system ofclaim 27, wherein the plurality of UV light emitting sources comprisesat least two sources that are disposed on the housing in planestransverse to one another.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the UVlight from the at least two sources converge to provide targetedamplification of converged multivector UV light across the target zone.38. The system of claim 27, wherein the plurality of sources configuredto illuminate the target zone with UV light from a plurality ofdirections provides a disinfection area of UV light in the target zoneincreased relative to a disinfection area provided by a system thatilluminates the target zone with light from a single source.
 39. Thesystem of claim 27, wherein the plurality of sources configured toilluminate the target zone with UV light from a plurality of directionsprovides an intensity of UV light in the target zone increased relativeto an intensity provided by a system that illuminates the target zonewith light from a single source.
 40. The system of claim 27, wherein theplurality of sources disposed at different positions along the housingis disposed along a plurality of sides of the target zone.
 41. Thesystem of claim 27, further comprising at least one UV light emittingsource disposed at an interior of the target zone.
 42. The system ofclaim 27, wherein the target zone comprises at least a portion of aroom.
 43. The system of claim 27, wherein the UV light is UV-C light.44. A method of disinfecting a target zone within a specified timecomprising: providing a plurality of UV light emitting sources disposedon different positions on a UV light emitting device; disposing theplurality of sources along at least a portion of a perimeter of thetarget zone; illuminating the target zone from a plurality of directionswith UV light emitted from at least some of the plurality of emittingsources; creating a UV light convergence field in the target zone;controlling the UV light convergence field to achieve a targetamplification of converged multivector UV light; and disinfecting thetarget zone with the target amplification of converged multivector UVlight in the UV light convergence field.
 45. The method of claim 44,wherein the specified time comprises 180 seconds or less.
 46. The methodof claim 44, specified time comprises 120 seconds or less.
 47. Themethod of claim 44, wherein the specified time comprises 90 seconds orless.
 48. The method of claim 44, wherein the specified time comprises60 seconds or less.
 49. The method of claim 44, wherein the specifiedtime comprises 30 seconds or less.
 50. The method of claim 44, whereinthe specified time comprises 15 seconds or less.
 51. The method of claim44, wherein the UV light is UV-C light.
 52. A method of disinfecting atarget zone comprising: providing a plurality of UV light emittingsources disposed on different positions on a UV light emitting device;moving an element that is translationally attached to a stationaryelement of the device, thereby increasing a surface area of the device;illuminating the target zone with UV light emitted from a plurality ofsources in the translational element and a plurality of sources in thestationary element; converging at least some of the UV light in thetarget zone; controlling the convergence of UV light to achieve a targetamplification of converged multivector UV light; and disinfecting thetarget zone with the target amplification of converged multivector UVlight.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the moving comprises linearlymoving the translational element relative to the stationary element. 54.The method of claim 52, wherein the moving comprises horizontally movingthe translational element relative to the stationary element.
 55. Themethod of claim 52, wherein the moving comprises moving thetranslational element in any direction.
 56. The method of claim 52,wherein the translational element comprises a panel or wherein thestationary element comprises a panel.
 57. The method of claim 52 furthercomprising disposing the device along at least a portion of a perimeterof the target zone.
 58. The method of claim 52, wherein the UV light isUV-C light.
 59. A system for disinfecting a target zone having aperimeter, said system comprising: a housing having a stationary elementand a translational element, wherein the translational element ismovable relative to the stationary element so as to increase a surfacearea of the housing; a plurality of UV light emitting sources disposedon the stationary element and the translational element, wherein atleast some of the sources are configured to illuminate the target areawith UV light from a plurality of directions, wherein at least some ofthe sources are disposed so at least some of the UV light converges inthe target zone, is controlled to achieve a target amplification ofconverged multivector UV light, and disinfect the target zone with thetarget amplification of converged multivector UV light.
 60. The systemof claim 59, wherein the translational element moves linearly relativeto the stationary element.
 61. The system of claim 59, wherein thetranslational element moves horizontally relative to the stationaryelement.
 62. The system of claim 59, wherein the translational elementmoves in any direction.
 63. The system of claim 59, wherein thetranslational element comprises a panel or wherein the stationaryelement comprises a panel.
 64. The system of claim 59, wherein thehousing is disposed along at least a portion of a perimeter of thetarget zone.
 65. The system of claim 59, wherein the UV light is UV-Clight.